Portuguese Pointer

Dog Breed Profile

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Portuguese Pointer History

The Portuguese Pointer is a medium to large-sized scenthound developed in Portugal. It is used for bird hunting, tracking and hare coursing. The Portuguese Pointer was the first pointer created specifically for European hunters. The hunt is a sport that is centuries old, with the earliest records dating to about 1100 BC. The origin of the word “pointer” is the English word “to point”, which refers to the way the dogs signaled the location of birds or other animals to their masters.

Time of Origin

1100s

Country of Origin

Portugal

Ancestry

Pointer

Portuguese Pointer Physical Characteristics

The Portuguese Pointer is a large, medium-to-large-sized breed of gundog that hails from Portugal. They have a large, muscular body and a low-set tail, and their ears are set high. Their coats can be solid red, orange, roan, or a mixture of these shades; they can also be white and liver, or any of these with the roan. Their brown eyes are normally up to 1.5 inches in size.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black, Brown

Coat Colors

Brown, Fawn

Height Range

Male Height Range: 20 – 24 inches

Female Height Range: 19 – 22 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 44 – 60 lbs

Female Weight Range: 35 – 49 lbs

Portuguese Pointer Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-14 yrs

Portuguese Pointer Health Concerns

Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Joint conditions

Portuguese Pointer Temperament and Behaviour

The Pointer is an energetic, athletic and highly intelligent hunting dog. They are easily trainable, but can sometimes have a bit of a stubborn streak. They are friendly and extremely loyal to their families, but can sometimes be reserved with strangers. They are agile, and make great jogging, hiking and biking companions.

Portuguese Pointer Activity Requirements

The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized, athletic hunting dog. They are highly intelligent, high-energy, and very trainable. They are often good with children, but they are best suited to homes with yard space. Portuguese Pointers require quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation. They need to be kept busy and entertained or they can become bored and destructive. They are very playful and love to be outside. If you are looking for a very active, high-energy dog, the Portuguese Pointer may be the right choice for you. They are an active, athletic, and lively breed that requires daily exercise and stimulation.

Miles Per Day

Unknown

Activity Per Day

Unknown

Daily Food

2.8 cups

Kennel Club Recognition

American Kennel Club

Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Portuguese Pointer is part of the Foundation Stock Service group.

Visit the American Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club

Recognized by The Kennel Club

Portuguese Pointer is part of the Gundog group.

Visit the Kennel Club website.

Australian National Kennel Council

Not Recognized

Portuguese Pointer is part of the Unclassified group.

Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.

Canadian Kennel Club

Not Recognized

Portuguese Pointer is part of the Unclassified group.

Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.