Perdiguero de Burgos

Also known as: Burgos Retriever, Burgalese Pointer, Burgos Pointing Dog

The Perdiguero de Burgos is one of Spain's oldest pointing breeds, with ancestors that worked the plains of Castile long before modern pointers and setters existed as distinct types. The short, dense coat holds up well against thorny scrub and the harsh sun typical of that part of Spain. Males can reach 30 kilograms, and the build is compact but sturdy enough for a full day's hunting on foot. The breed rarely turns up outside Spain, it was never exported widely the way some other continental pointers were. Temperament is steady and biddable, which makes it straightforward to train for fieldwork. Grooming needs are minimal, just regular brushing. Life expectancy runs 11 to 13 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Perdiguero de Burgos: how old in human years?

60–67 cmHeight
27–30 kgWeight
11–13 yrsLife expectancy

Blue Picardy Spaniel

FCI group: Pointing Dogs
FCI section: Section 1.1: Continental Pointing Dogs, Type Braque
FCI: 90
Country of origin: Spain

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

2/5

At a glance

Height

Males 62–67 cm

Females 60–65 cm

Weight

Males 27–30 kg

Females not specified

Life expectancy

11–13 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Perdiguero de Burgos's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Perdiguero de Burgos's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 4/5

Guarding & Alertness

Perdiguero de Burgos's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

Perdiguero de Burgos's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 3/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 2/5

Living with the Perdiguero de Burgos

On the Spanish plateau he crosses the fields at a calm, economical pace, head low, and then stops dead: set, focused, his tail barely quivering. The Perdiguero de Burgos is an old Spanish gundog, big and solid, who works thoughtfully and without hurry, and he brings that calm diligence home with him.

By pointing-dog standards he is the steadier sort, but that doesn't make him a sofa dog: every day he needs a long walk and a chance to run free somewhere safe, ideally with some work for his nose too. He learns well enough when training is patient and consistent; harshness won't help. His prey drive and hunting instinct are strong, so start recall training early and introduce cats carefully.

With his family he is gentle, affectionate and patient with children, he usually gets along with other dogs, and he is reserved with strangers. He won't wear you out with barking and will tell you someone has arrived, but he is no real guard. A flat is too small for him; he does best in a house with a garden, with a family or a hunter whose days are unhurried but whose daily outings to the fields are sacred.

Grooming and coat

The Perdiguero de Burgos has a short, dense, smooth coat, so it needs no comb and no groomer, but do keep a brush handy. It sheds moderately: brushing once or twice a week with a rubber brush or mitt means fewer hairs on the sofa and your clothes, and during the spring and autumn moult it's worth doing more often. Baths are rarely needed; a damp towel takes care of the mud after a walk.

This is a big-headed dog with hanging lips and long ears, so a cloth after meals and drinks sometimes comes in handy, and the lip folds and ears deserve a weekly look. Redness, discharge or a bad smell in the ears is a reason to see a vet. After outings in the fields check the paws and coat for ticks, and trim the nails if they don't wear down on their own.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (30 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 365 g of dry food a day, from €19,95 a month For a neutered, normally active 28,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog