Dog Breeds - Portuguese Pointer

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards its family members and familiar individuals varies significantly. While certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards anyone except their owner, other breeds treat everyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior coupled with its family-friendly nature is of utmost importance. It is advised to provide constant supervision when dogs interact with young children or those with minimal exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
When considering the overall friendliness of a dog breed towards other dogs, it is important to remember that supervision is crucial during their interactions and introductions. However, certain breeds naturally tend to be more inclined to get along with other dogs, whether it be within the comfort of their own home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to leaving behind is an important consideration. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
It is essential to take into account the grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. The frequency of these tasks should be considered based on the time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care. Additionally, it is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity of a breed to drool is a factor worth considering. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a tendency to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes might not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
When evaluating the friendliness of a breed towards strangers, it is important to note that some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, certain breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever they have the opportunity.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the puppy stage is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, others will be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is significant to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds have a higher tendency to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important aspect to consider. This includes their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other day-to-day fluctuations in life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training your dog and their willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Certain breeds are eager to please their owners and are motivated by making them proud. On the other hand, some breeds have a more independent nature and may prefer to prioritize their own desires and act according to their own will, regardless of your instructions.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into consideration. High-energy breeds are often full of enthusiasm and always ready for their next adventure. They thrive on activities that involve running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to have a more relaxed disposition and are content with lounging around and enjoying a snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls in a breed is worth considering. Certain breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or bird they spot through the window, while others only bark in specific situations. It is important to note that even barkless breeds can still be vocal using alternative sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation requirements of a breed are important to consider for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the projects you have in mind or could even be undesirable. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is crucial to keeping such breeds content and preventing the development of unwanted behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards its family members and familiar individuals varies significantly. While certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards anyone except their owner, other breeds treat everyone they know as their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior coupled with its family-friendly nature is of utmost importance. It is advised to provide constant supervision when dogs interact with young children or those with minimal exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

When considering the overall friendliness of a dog breed towards other dogs, it is important to remember that supervision is crucial during their interactions and introductions. However, certain breeds naturally tend to be more inclined to get along with other dogs, whether it be within the comfort of their own home or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is prone to leaving behind is an important consideration. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing have a higher likelihood of triggering certain allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

It is essential to take into account the grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. The frequency of these tasks should be considered based on the time, patience and budget you can allocate for such care. Additionally, it is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity of a breed to drool is a factor worth considering. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a tendency to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes might not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

When evaluating the friendliness of a breed towards strangers, it is important to note that some breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, certain breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever they have the opportunity.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play even beyond the puppy stage is worth considering. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, others will be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert you of the presence of strangers is significant to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds have a higher tendency to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change is an important aspect to consider. This includes their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other day-to-day fluctuations in life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training your dog and their willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Certain breeds are eager to please their owners and are motivated by making them proud. On the other hand, some breeds have a more independent nature and may prefer to prioritize their own desires and act according to their own will, regardless of your instructions.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into consideration. High-energy breeds are often full of enthusiasm and always ready for their next adventure. They thrive on activities that involve running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to have a more relaxed disposition and are content with lounging around and enjoying a snooze.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation requirements of a breed are important to consider for their overall happiness and well-being. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds busy, which may not align with the projects you have in mind or could even be undesirable. Providing appropriate mental stimulation is crucial to keeping such breeds content and preventing the development of unwanted behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Yellow	232
Light Yellow	530
Red Yellow	531

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Portuguese Pointer is a highly dedicated and enthusiastic hunting breed with a strong bond to its owner. As a medium-sized sporting dog, they possess a considerable amount of energy, particularly in their early years. Their affectionate nature is so intense that it is sometimes described in the Portuguese standard as "inappropriate and inconvenient." This breed is known for its robustness, endurance and unwavering devotion. They exhibit a calm and sociable demeanor but can display a certain level of haughtiness towards other dogs. Their curiosity drives them to work persistently and with liveliness, always staying in close contact with their handler. The Portuguese Pointer is an eager and focused hunter.

What to Expect When Caring for A PORTUGUESE POINTER

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Portuguese Pointer: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Portuguese Pointers are typically considered a robust and healthy breed. While there are no specific health issues associated with the breed, it is important to take precautions and ensure that breeding dogs and their relatives are free from known health problems. This includes checking for conditions such as seizures, hip dysplasia, early-onset cancers or autoimmune diseases. Regular health check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help maintain the overall health and well-being of the Portuguese Pointer breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

Grooming

	Portuguese Pointers have short tight coats that require minimal grooming. However, they tend to enjoy being brushed with a rubber curry-type brush not only for bonding purposes but also to help remove dead hair. Their hard coat is effective at repelling dirt, so frequent baths are not necessary. However, routine care of their nails, teeth and ears is still important to maintain their overall health and hygiene. Regular trimming of nails, brushing teeth and cleaning ears should be part of their grooming routine.

Exercise

	As a sporting dog, the Portuguese Pointer thrives on running and hunting activities, even if it's just pointing at butterflies in the backyard or going for a hike. These dogs retain strong hunting instincts, so it's important to provide them with off-lead safe exercise to keep them mentally and physically satisfied. Young Portuguese Pointers especially males can have a significant amount of energy. However, as long as they receive daily outdoor exercise, they can adapt well to living calmly as house dogs. Regular outdoor exercise is key to ensuring a happy and contented Portuguese Pointer, both mentally and physically.

Training

	The Portuguese Pointer is known for its kind and devoted nature as a sporting dog. They are highly intelligent and generally easy to train. However, their affectionate disposition can make them what is often referred to as a "soft" dog, meaning they may be more sensitive and responsive to a gentle and positive approach to training. This breed tends to thrive with methods that involve praise, rewards and consistency. A patient and understanding training approach will help bring out the best in the Portuguese Pointer and further strengthen their bond with their owner.

Nutrition

	The Portuguese Pointer generally thrives on a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or home-prepared with the guidance and approval of a veterinarian. The diet should be appropriate for the dog's age, whether it is a puppy, adult or senior. Some Portuguese Pointers are prone to gaining weight, so it is important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight level. Treats can be beneficial for training purposes but overindulgence can lead to obesity. It is crucial to be aware of which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian. Additionally, clean and fresh water should always be accessible to the Portuguese Pointer.

Historiography

The Portuguese Pointer is an ancient breed that originated in the Iberian Peninsula with its presence in Portugal dating back to the 12th century. Initially, it was bred in royal kennels for falconry purposes and continues to be utilized by falconers in Portugal today. In the 16th century, it became known as the perdigueiro, named after the Portuguese word for 'partridge,' 'perdiz.' The breed's influence expanded when English families involved in the wine production industry settled in the region of Oporto in the 18th century. They became familiar with the Portuguese hunting breed and eventually took some of them to England, where they played a role in the development of the English Pointer.

However, during the 19th century, Portugal faced significant social challenges leading to a decline in the Portuguese Pointer breed. It was not until the 1920s that a few dedicated breeders made efforts to rescue the breed by finding ancient Portuguese dogs in the remote regions of northern Portugal. The Portuguese pedigree book was established in 1932 followed by the breed standard in 1938 solidifying the breed's recognition. Remarkably, even after more than a thousand years, the Portuguese Pointer still retains many of the same physical and functional traits as its ancestors making it a testament to its enduring heritage.