Portuguese Pointer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Portuguese Pointer?

Portuguese Pointers originated in the Iberian Peninsula region of Portugal in the 12th century and were initially solely bred in imperial facilities. The breed was not available to the general public till much later. They were frequently given as gifts by royals to visiting nobility from other countries.

Portuguese Pointers have made great strides and now help hunters from all walks of life, from ordinary people to the wealthy. They were mostly employed for falconry and hunting red-legged partridges.

They were utilised in the development of the English Pointer in the 18th century.

Portugal was in a socio-economic crisis in the 1920s, and the dog breed was on the verge of being wiped out. Portuguese Pointer aficionados made it a priority to track down the last of the breed's remaining members in the Northern Region, formed a breed club, and reintroduce them according to breed standards.

The Portuguese Pedigree Book was founded in 1932, and the breed standard was adopted in 1938. They are now well-liked, and many are kept as family pets.

Who are Portuguese Pointer dogs best for?

Pointers make excellent family dogs that flourish when they have the opportunity to connect with their humans. A Pointer should never be kept outside but should have access to much the same luxuries as his humans.

Although pointers get along well with kids, especially if they've been raised with them, they're not the ideal choice for a family with infants.

A perfect place for a Pointer would include a secure garden for them to run around in, as well as indoor living with their humans and plenty of affection and admiration. Do not, however, leave them for extended durations. When Portuguese Pointers are bored, they can become naughty. An athletic family would be ideal for this dog. 

Portuguese Pointers are still employed for falconry and red-legged partridge hunting in Portugal today, by both ordinary people and the upper crust.

To keep a Pointer happy and healthy, it should be walked for an hour to an hour and a half every day. While it is preferable to spend some of this time off the leash and roaming around, it requires less activity than many other gun dog breeds. The breed must receive sufficient mental stimulation, as boredom can result in destructive behaviour.

How much grooming does a Portuguese Pointer need?

Regular grooming is essential for the well-being, health, and beauty of your Portuguese Pointer. Your Pointer's coat can get long, matted, and exceedingly unpleasant and irritating if left unattended.

The coat of the Portuguese Pointer is short and coarse, with a typical thickness. Their coat is often fawn or red with cream highlights, but it can be any colour.

This dog has a low-shedding coat and is easy to maintain. Brush them now and then to get rid of the dead hairs. Wash only when required.

Do Portuguese Pointer bark much?

Pointers are protective and faithful to those who are close to them. If properly socialised from a young age, they will be sociable with other dogs. They have a propensity for barking when someone comes to the house, making them excellent watchdogs.

Do Portuguese Pointer bite?

The Pointer is not an aggressive breed. They are quite gentle with people and don't display any signs of hostility. But, if they detect any potential threat or unusual activity in their environment, they will bark loudly to alert their human.

What is the temperament & personality of a Portuguese Pointer?

The Portuguese Pointer is a committed dog with an affectionate nature that can be hesitant around outsiders at first but is exceedingly gentle and loving. The breed is placid and inquisitive in general, but it is also strong and tenacious.

The Pointer is indeed a friendly breed that gets along well with kids and makes an excellent household companion.

Because the Pointer is a friendly breed that thrives on human interaction, it can develop separation anxiety if not progressively used to being left alone for short durations. Although the breed is not known for being a guard dog, it will use its innate barking capability to alert of threats

What is the weight & size of a Portuguese Pointer?

The Pointer should weigh 15 kg to 26 kg and have a shoulder measurement of 50 cm to 55 cm.

While the American Kennel Club sets the standard for breed size, certain dogs may be larger or smaller than others.

How much training does a Portuguese Pointer need?

Because the Pointer is driven by a strong eagerness to please its human, it is usually good at picking up new skills after moderate training with reward-based methods.

This makes sure that house training, obedience training and recall training are usually not an issue if puppies have a normal schedule and enough open area.

When socialised from an early age, the Pointer is usually good with other dogs, but because of its hunting impulses, it should be socialised with other pets from the early stages of life.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Portuguese Pointer?

The Pointer is a hardy, healthy breed with a 14-year life expectancy. They have no reported health defects, which are common in today's over-bred canines.

A few small issues to consider are:

• Dysplasia of the hips and elbows

• Patellar luxation

• Autoimmune diseases

These are rather typical in dogs of this size and stature and can be mitigated through an appropriate diet.

What is the lifespan of a Portuguese Pointer?

The Pointer has a 14-year average life expectancy. They are regarded as a healthy breed with no documented health problems. Hip dysplasia, patellar lunation, cancer, and autoimmune illnesses are all possible health issues with this size of a dog.

How much should you feed a Portuguese Pointer?

The optimal food for a medium-sized breed with a lot of energy is a Pointer diet. If you overfeed them, they will gain weight, so keep to a normal eating plan and don't put food out all day while ensuring your dog has access to fresh water. Restrict their treat-intake as well.

You can either buy high-quality food or prepare your dog food from scratch. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is well nourished. The dietary requirements of the Pointer will alter from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to evolve into their senior years, as they do with all dogs.

Because there is so much diversity among individual dogs, you should ask your veterinarian for food suggestions for your Pointer.

What is the price of a Portuguese Pointer in Australia?

Portuguese Pointer puppies can cost anywhere from $800 to $1000, depending on the breed. But this breed is not particularly common in Australia, which might make locating breeders difficult, and because Portuguese Pointers are not a typical breed in Australia, finding a rescue specifically for them may be difficult.

You can always contact the local shelter, and you might want to choose a rescue that accepts all other breeds of dogs.