The Portuguese Pointer is a lively and enthusiastic hunting dog with a loving personality and can make a great companion in the right home. This ancient breed originated on the Iberian Peninsula and was originally only owned by royals. His original task was working with falconers (a task he still does today in Portugal)! In the 19th century the population of the breed began a decline but efforts were made to keep the lines alive. Today they are a rare breed here in America but cherished by those who know and own them.
The Portuguese Pointer is very active and should only be kept by those willing and able to meet his exercise needs. The breed has a ton of endurance and is very hardy – they don’t like taking breaks and prefer to spend plenty of time outdoors. Owners who are able to provide this will be rewarded with a wonderful friend for many years to come (they are fairly long-lived, with lifespans averaging 13-14 years). When given regular exercise, they tend to be calm and easy in the home. Without this exercise, they can become very destructive – prospective owners must seriously consider if they are up for the task!
It should come as no surprise that the Portuguese Pointer loves hunting and is often happiest in a home with a hunter. If this isn’t an option, however, he can be given other jobs to do that will stimulate his mind. The worst home for this breed is one in which he not given enough to do or enough time spent with his humans. Known to have separation anxiety, he does best with owners who are frequently home and ready to engage in many active adventures with the dog!
This medium-sized breed is very loyal and devoted to his family or master – almost to the extreme. Once a Portuguese Pointer is part of the family, he takes his role as “family dog” very seriously. While social with people and very good with kids, Portuguese Pointers love to play and can be entertained with a game of ball for hours! Most are also very good with other dogs and pets, although they may or may not be as playful with fellow canines than they are with humans.
Portuguese Pointers are quite clever and tend to be easy to train since they were bred to work with people. They naturally like to work close to their owners. The breed doesn’t tend to need hard corrections, and a “softer touch” is usually required to keep them from shutting down. Once trained, they are very reliable dogs to work with. Because of their hunting drive, they may get distracted doing obedience outside while birds and other animals move about so plenty of proofing in those situations is recommended!
Portuguese Pointers don’t require very much grooming, but a good brushing is always appreciated! This is in addition to dental and nail care, and ear cleaning (the regular routines for most dogs). Because their coat tends to repel dirt, they don’t need frequent bathing. Along with the perk of easy grooming, the breed also enjoys very good health for the most part, with no health problems seen on a frequent basis (although responsible breeders still screen for certain disorders to keep the breed healthy).
Portuguese Pointers can make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone arrives. While brave, they are not great guard dogs as they are far too social and people-loving to actually be threatening. When there is nothing around to bark at, they are fairly quiet. While some people may think their quiet nature would make them great apartment dogs, those people should think again! The Portuguese Pointer is not the most adaptable of dogs and does require a fair amount of space. Apartment-dwellers will have a hard time giving this breed the physical exercise that they need.
Photo by Afonso Silva