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Dog Breed

Portuguese Pointer

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Portuguese Pointer

Origin: Portugal

Breed Group: Sporting (AKC Foundation Stock Service)

Physical Characteristics

Size: Medium

Height: Male: 20.5–22.5 inches (52–57 cm), Female: 19–21 inches (48–53 cm)

Weight: Male: 44–60 lbs (20–27 kg), Female: 35–55 lbs (16–25 kg)

Coat Type: Short, dense, and coarse

Coat Colors: Light to dark yellow, solid or with white markings

Grooming Needs: Low (occasional brushing)

Shedding: Moderate

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, calm, determined, obedient

Intelligence Level: High

Energy Level: Moderate to High

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–14 years

Common Health Issues: Generally healthy; occasional hip or elbow dysplasia

Care

Nutrition Needs: High-quality, balanced diet for active breeds

Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – daily walks, play, and hunting games keep them happy

Space Requirements: Best with a yard or access to open spaces; adaptable with enough exercise

Noise Sensitivity: Low

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: Moderate

Socialization Tips: Eager to please and responsive; learns quickly with positive reinforcement

Good with Children: Yes, usually good-natured and sociable

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, usually good-natured and sociable

Good with Other Pets: Yes, with proper introductions

Training: Eager to please and responsive; learns quickly with positive reinforcement

Description

The Portuguese Pointer, or Perdigueiro Português, is a versatile and dedicated bird dog known for its loyalty, steady temperament, and strong hunting instincts. Developed in Portugal for pointing and retrieving game birds, this breed is a focused and determined worker in the field and a loving, people-oriented companion at home.

Its short, smooth coat is easy to maintain, with moderate shedding and occasional grooming required. Portuguese Pointers are highly trainable, affectionate with family, and thrive in homes where they receive daily physical activity and mental stimulation, especially through field work or scent games.

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History

Origin: The Portuguese Pointer (Perdigueiro Português) is an ancient hunting breed originating from the Iberian Peninsula, with documented presence in Portugal as early as the 12th century. Initially bred in royal kennels, it was prized as a falconer’s companion due to its keen senses and steady temperament. The breed descends from the old Peninsular Pointing Dog, a common ancestor to many European pointing breeds, and was known in the 14th century as the “podengo de mostra” for its ability to point game.
Development: As falconry waned in popularity, the Portuguese Pointer became favored among commoners, especially for hunting small game like the red-legged partridge, thanks to its agility and exceptional scenting ability. Over centuries, it adapted to Portugal’s climate and terrain, evolving into a hardy, medium-sized, short-haired gundog with remarkable stamina and a strong bond with its handler. The breed’s popularity fluctuated, facing decline in the 17th and again in the late 19th century, partly due to restrictive hunting laws and the introduction of foreign breeds like the English Pointer. In the 20th century, dedicated breeders restored the breed’s traditional characteristics, culminating in the first breed standard in 1931 and official recognition in 1939.
Recognition: The Portuguese Pointer is recognized by the Portuguese Kennel Club and the official Portuguese Pedigree Book, which maintains its lineage. The breed club, Associação do Perdigueiro Português, was established in 1984 to promote and preserve the breed. Internationally, the Portuguese Pointer is recognized by the United Kennel Club and was added to the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service in 2005. Breed clubs have also been established in France and the United States.
Today, the Portuguese Pointer remains a dynamic and versatile hunting companion, valued for its close working range, keen sense of smell, and affectionate, intelligent nature. While still rare outside Portugal—with only about 200 in the United States—it is gaining popularity in Europe and North America as both a hunting dog and an active family companion. The breed is medium-sized, weighing 35–50 pounds, with a golden to dark yellow coat, and thrives in environments where it can exercise and bond closely with its owners. The Portuguese Pointer’s enduring appeal lies in its centuries-old hunting tradition, loyalty, and adaptability to both field and home life.

Ideal Owner

Active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and want a steady, loyal companion

Similar Breeds

English Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Bracco Italiano, Vizsla