Portuguese PointerCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed comes from the Iberian Peninsula, from the old peninsular pointer, the common ancestor of other pointing breeds, and that its presence in Portugal is documented since at least the 12th century. In the 14th century it was known as the “podengo de mostra” and already pointed game; it was bred in royal and noble kennels and used in falconry.

In the 16th century, by then called “perdigueiro” (from “perdiz”, partridge), it was also widely used by ordinary people. Its present-day features were fixed in the first quarter of the 20th century. The AKC says Portuguese navigators took it aboard their ships in the Age of Discovery.

How the breed developed

• 12th century – First documented in Portugal.
• 14th century – The “podengo de mostra”, in the royal kennels.
• 16th century – It becomes the “perdigueiro”, the partridge dog.
• 1939 – The first standard, according to Wikipedia.
• 13 July 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized, straight, pointer-type dog, powerful yet harmonious, with great suppleness of movement.

General appearance

The coat is short, hard, dense and even, without undercoat; on the head and especially on the ears it is finer and has a velvety look. The AKC says the hard coat sheds dirt well.

The colour is yellow, in light, medium or dark shades, solid or with white patches on the head, neck, chest, lower legs and tip of the tail.

The standard describes it as extremely gentle and affectionate, hardy, with great working ability and devotion. It is calm and very sociable, but a little haughty with other dogs. It is curious by nature and works with perseverance and liveliness, always close to the hunter.

The AKC gives it top marks for ease of training and for its need for mental stimulation.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. It learns very easily.
• Keep its mind busy. It has a great need for mental stimulation.
• Let it run safely. The AKC says free, safe exercise makes it happy.
• Socialise it with other dogs. It can be haughty with them.

The AKC says it loves to run and hunt, even if it is only “pointing” butterflies in the yard or running on a hike. It has kept strong hunting instincts, so free but safe exercise is the key to a happy dog.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active families.
• It needs a fenced yard.
• In winter, a coat with no undercoat does not protect it from the cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short, tight coat needs very little grooming, but it enjoys a session with a rubber brush, which also removes dead hair. It does not need frequent baths. The nails, teeth and ears should be cared for regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is a very hardy, healthy breed, with no breed-specific diseases. Breeders still screen the parents for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Brush its teeth often.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The partridge dog. “Perdigueiro” comes from “perdiz”, partridge.
• On board ship. The AKC says Portuguese navigators took it aboard their ships.
• In falconry. In the Middle Ages it was used in falconry.
• Velvet ears. The hair on its ears is fine, like velvet.
• It points butterflies too. The AKC says it may even “point” butterflies in the yard.

Where does the name come from?

From “perdiz”, Portuguese for partridge.

How big does it get?

Males measure 56 cm (±4 cm) and weigh 20–27 kg; females measure 52 cm and weigh 16–22 kg.

Is it good with children?

The AKC gives it top marks for being good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives about 14 years.