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Portuguese Pointer Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Portuguese Pointer so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
Popularity Rank374
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Portuguese Pointer dog profile picture
OriginPortugal flagPortugal
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Portuguese Pointer known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Portuguese Pointing DogPerdigueiro Portugues
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Portuguese Pointer? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Portuguese Pointer Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Portuguese Pointer? Learn how big the Portuguese Pointer breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Portuguese Pointer weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Portuguese Pointer breed.
Male: 44–60 pounds (20–27 kg), Female: 35–49 pounds (16–22 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Portuguese Pointer?
Male: 44–60 pounds (20–27 kg), Female: 35–49 pounds (16–22 kg)
Height
How tall is the Portuguese Pointer? Portuguese Pointer height:
Male: 20–24 inches (51–61 cm), Female: 19–22 inches (48–56 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Portuguese Pointer?
Male: 20–24 inches (51–61 cm), Female: 19–22 inches (48–56 cm)

Portuguese Pointer Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Portuguese Pointer puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Portuguese Pointer costs.
$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Portuguese Pointer, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Portuguese Pointer for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Portuguese Pointer gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Portuguese Pointer? How many Portuguese Pointer are there in the world?
Average: The Portuguese Pointer is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Portuguese Pointer Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Portuguese Pointer? Discover the Portuguese Pointer's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Portuguese Pointer ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Portuguese Pointer? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's trainability and response to training methods.
Portuguese Pointer dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Portuguese Pointer as a watchdog? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's alertness and guarding instincts.
Portuguese Pointer dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Portuguese Pointer dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Portuguese Pointer protective of its territory? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's guarding instincts and behavior.
Portuguese Pointer dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Portuguese Pointer Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Portuguese Pointer have? Learn about characteristic Portuguese Pointer temperament and behavior traits.
AffectionateLivelyCalmSubmissive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Portuguese Pointer sensitivity:
Portuguese Pointer dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Portuguese Pointer a good family dog?
High: Portuguese Pointer dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Portuguese Pointing Dog need? Portuguese Pointer social needs:
Portuguese Pointer dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Portuguese Pointer to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Portuguese Pointer roam?
Portuguese Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Portuguese Pointer have high prey drive?
Portuguese Pointer dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Portuguese Pointer dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Portuguese Pointer Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Portuguese Pointer bark a lot? Learn about typical Portuguese Pointer vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Pointer rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Portuguese Pointer? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Portuguese Pointer breed.
Portuguese Pointers are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Portuguese Pointer live in an apartment? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Pointer breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Portuguese Pointer indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Portuguese Pointer Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Portuguese Pointer to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's flexibility to new situations.
Portuguese Pointer dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't like moving from one place to another.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Portuguese Pointer be left alone? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's tolerance to solitude.
Portuguese Pointer dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Portuguese Pointer Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Portuguese Pointer biting potential? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Portuguese Pointer mouthy? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's tendency to use mouth during play.
Portuguese Pointer dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Portuguese Pointer dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Portuguese Pointer bite? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Pointer bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Portuguese Pointer measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Portuguese Pointer is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Portuguese Pointer bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Portuguese Pointer bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Portuguese Pointer puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Portuguese Pointer, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Portuguese Pointer bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Portuguese Pointer can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Portuguese Pointer Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Portuguese Pointer live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Portuguese Pointer breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointer: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Portuguese Pointer handle different weather? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Portuguese Pointer? Discover typical conditions affecting the Portuguese Pointer breed.
Portuguese Pointers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Portuguese Pointer need vet visits? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Portuguese Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Portuguese Pointer Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Portuguese Pointer? Understand daily activity needs of the Portuguese Pointer breed.
Portuguese Pointer dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Portuguese Pointer need? How much exercise do Portuguese Pointer dogs require per day?

Do Portuguese Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises?

Portuguese Pointer dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Portuguese Pointer breed need?
Portuguese Pointer dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Portuguese Pointer Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Portuguese Pointer prone to weight gain? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's obesity risks.
Average: The Portuguese Pointer has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Portuguese Pointer weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Portuguese Pointer need daily? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's feeding requirements.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Portuguese Pointer Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Portuguese Pointer hypoallergenic? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Portuguese Pointer dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Portuguese Pointer come in? Discover all possible Portuguese Pointer color variations.
White BrownYellowLight
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Portuguese Pointer need? Learn about Portuguese Pointer coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Portuguese Pointer doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Portuguese Pointer is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Portuguese Pointer drool a lot? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's drooling habits.
The Portuguese Pointer is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Portuguese Pointer smell bad? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Portuguese Pointer has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Portuguese Pointer have? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's fur characteristics.
Rough
Bathing Needs
How often does a Portuguese Pointer need baths? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Portuguese Pointer dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Portuguese Pointing Dog? Do Portuguese Pointer dogs shed a lot?
Portuguese Pointer dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Portuguese Pointer Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Portuguese Pointer good with children? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's behavior around kids of different ages.
Portuguese Pointer dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Portuguese Pointer get along with other pets? Discover the Portuguese Pointer's compatibility with other animals.
Portuguese Pointer dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Portuguese Pointer temperament with other people:
Portuguese Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Portuguese Pointer dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Portuguese Pointer breed live with a cat?
Portuguese Pointer dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Portuguese Pointer good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Portuguese Pointer dogs get along with other dogs?
Portuguese Pointer dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Portuguese Pointer breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Portuguese Pointer breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Portuguese Pointer dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Portuguese Pointer dogs good office canines? Do Portuguese Pointer dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Portuguese Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Portuguese Pointer dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Portuguese Pointing Dog temperament with senior people? Are Portuguese Pointer dogs good for elderly owners?
Portuguese Pointers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Portuguese Pointer As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Portuguese Pointer be a service dog? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Portuguese Pointer is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Portuguese Pointer good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Portuguese Pointer is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Portuguese Pointer good at detection work? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Portuguese Pointer is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Portuguese Pointer do search and rescue? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Portuguese Pointer is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Portuguese Pointer good on boats? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Portuguese Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Portuguese Pointer pull carts? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Portuguese Pointer is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Portuguese Pointer used in military service? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Portuguese Pointer Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Portuguese Pointer usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Portuguese Pointer pregnant? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Portuguese Pointer: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Portuguese Pointer have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Portuguese Pointer Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Portuguese Pointer in? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Portuguese Pointer in? Learn about the Portuguese Pointer's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.

Portuguese Pointer Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Portuguese Pointer doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Portuguese Pointer dogs are low shedders.
  • Watchdog Rating: Portuguese Pointer dogs are good watchdogs.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Portuguese Pointers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Portuguese Pointer dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Pointer breed.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Portuguese Pointer dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Portuguese Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Portuguese Pointer dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Portuguese Pointer dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Cat Friendly: Portuguese Pointer dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Portuguese Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Portuguese Pointer dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Portuguese Pointer History

The Portuguese Pointer, in its original name, the ‘Perdigueiro Português’, was developed from the Iberian peninsula’s hunting dogs with its presence in Portugal which can be traced back even to the early 12th century. The breed was originally bred in royal kennels to be used in falconry and they are still, nowadays used by falconers in Portugal too. The dogs quickly gained popularity among the lower classes of society as hunting companions. In the 16th century, the breed became known as the perdigueiro, from their Portuguese name where the word “perdiz” translates into partridge in English.

According to records, Portuguese navigators took the Portuguese Pointer along in their ships during the time of the discovery of the Americas, and the breed was used in the formation of popular breeds such as the Labrador Retriever. Many English families, in the 18th century, established a presence in the region of Oporto, in Portugal, entering the business of wine production, and during their leisure time, they came to be introduced to the Portuguese hunting breed. The Englishmen quickly became amazed by the breed’s abilities, so later, when returning to their homes in England, they brought Portuguese Pointer puppies with them. That is the reason why, the Portuguese Pointer is thought to be playing a part in the breeding process, thus an ancestor of the English Pointer.

Although, during the 19th century, the breed began to decline progressively, because Portugal was experiencing significant social hardships. Until the 1920s, some breeders made an endeavor to salvage the breed by locating some of the ancient Portuguese dogs in the northern parts of Portugal which were considered inaccessible and very hard to reach.

In 1932, the Portuguese pedigree book was then established, and then, the breed standard became specified in 1938. Nowadays, a thousand years after its creation the breed still remains many of the same conformation and functional traits as its ancestors possessed. Having a square head, a marked stop, triangular ears, and compact look and since the 17th century, the same docked tail, and a very distinguishing skull-facial convergence. The breed is also popular among the hunting society, using them, not just as family pets, but as hunting companions for upload game birds.

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Portuguese Pointer Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Mel

    Feb 2, 2020, 6:08:25 PM: