Portuguese Pointer

The Perdigueiro Português is considered one of the oldest pointing breeds on the Iberian Peninsula, mentioned in Portuguese royal documents as far back as the 13th century as a bird-finding hunting dog. The short, dense coat and compact, sturdy frame, up to 27 kilograms, let the breed work through Portugal's hot, dry climate, where stamina counted for more than raw speed. It nearly disappeared by the mid-20th century until a small group of Portuguese breeders rebuilt it from surviving rural dogs. In temperament it is friendly, calm, and devoted to its family, turning notably focused once it is out working a field. It is still seen far more often in the field than in the show ring outside Portugal. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Portuguese Pointer: how old in human years?

50–56 cmHeight
16–27 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Stichelhaar (German Roughhaired Pointer)

FCI group: Pointing Dogs
FCI section: Section 1.1: Continental Pointing Dogs, Type Braque
FCI: 187
Country of origin: Portugal

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

2/5

At a glance

Height

Males 52–56 cm

Females 50–54 cm

Weight

Males 16–27 kg

Females not specified

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Portuguese Pointer'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 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 4/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Portuguese Pointer's energy and exercise needs are high.

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

Guarding & Alertness

Portuguese Pointer's guarding and alertness traits are low.

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

Grooming & Care

Portuguese Pointer's grooming needs are low.

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

Living with the Portuguese Pointer

A chin comes to rest on your knee, and a pair of amber eyes asks when you are finally going out to the fields. The Portuguese Pointer is an old Portuguese gundog, medium-sized and light on his feet, and he combines two things in a slightly unexpected way: a tireless hunter's engine and a strong wish to be right next to his person.

He needs a lot of exercise: a long walk every day and free running somewhere safe, better still with search games, retrieving or hunting. He learns quickly and willingly because he wants to please, so praise and consistency work best, while a harsh tone only confuses him. His prey drive and hunting instinct are very strong, so be patient with recall training and careful around cats and small animals.

At home he is gentle and affectionate, good with children, usually fine with other dogs, and polite with strangers. He barks little and is no guard. Long hours alone are hard on him and a flat is too small; he does best with an active family or a hunter who has a garden and finds time for the fields every day.

Grooming and coat

A square head, a serious expression and a short, dense coat that takes a few minutes a week to look after. The Portuguese Pointer sheds little, so a weekly once-over with a rubber brush or grooming mitt to lift the dead hair keeps the coat smooth and glossy. Bathe him only now and then, when he has properly got himself dirty.

Hanging ears can bring home seeds or ticks after a walk in the fields, so check them every week; redness, discharge or a bad smell is a reason to see a vet. After outings look over the paw pads and belly for scratches, and trim the nails if they don't wear down on their own. A short coat offers little protection from the cold, so in winter it's worth towelling him dry after a long walk.

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 (27 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.

≈ 295 g of dry food a day, from €16,14 a month For a neutered, normally active 21,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog