Portuguese Pointer Dog Breed Information - All You Need To Know

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The Portuguese Pointer is a pointer/retriever from Portugal. It is known as the Perdigueiro Portugues. Over the years, it has cemented its place in hunter circles throughout the world. It is a rare dog, so you most likely haven’t heard about this breed before.

However, you don’t have to worry. The next few paragraphs should be enough to give you all of the info you will ever need about this breed.

Portuguese Pointer History

The Portuguese Pointer has been around for about 800 years or more. The native name of this breed, Perdigueiro, means Partridge. The Portuguese Pointer was originally a flushing and hunting dog. It had strong ears and sharp eyes that could spot prey from a large distance away.

The bloodlines of this dog are related to the Hunting/Flacon dogs of the 6^th and 7^th Centuries. Another theory states that the dog is descended from the Iberian Hound.

The first pictures and depictions of this dog are from an author named Juao in the 12^th Century. During its initial boost to fame, it was solely owned by royalty. It became publicized only later. The Portuguese Pointer was spread to other regions and countries through gifts and sea trades.

The Portuguese Pointer was the prime ancestor of numerous different breeds. The English Pointer is also derived from the Portuguese Pointer. The UKC recognized the Portuguese Pointer in 1996. However, the AKC has yet to recognize this doggie officially.

Portuguese Pointer Characteristics

Like most pointers, the Portuguese Pointer will have a short coat. The texture of the coat is sleek and coarse to touch. The colors for the coat are Fawn and Brown. The ears of the Portuguese Pointer will be leaf-like and soft to touch. The ears will usually be large and hang by its head. The eyes of the Portuguese Pointer will be slightly almond-shaped and expressive. The jaw of the Portuguese Pointer will be square and firm.

How Big do Portuguese Pointer Get

The Portuguese Pointer is a hunting dog, so the size is bound to be pretty big. The males will usually be 20 to 24 inches tall and 44 to 60 lbs heavy. The female Portuguese Pointer will be 19 to 22 inches tall and 35 to 49 lbs heavy. The females are more refined and lean compared to the females. However, the weight should be kept within the range if you don’t want obesity to be a problem.

How Long Does Portuguese Pointer Live

The Portuguese Pointer is ancient and has a strong immunity. The average lifespan for the Portuguese Pointer is 12 to 14 years. It doesn’t have a lot of genetic conditions and weaknesses. With a bit of care and regulation of routines, the Portuguese Pointer will live even beyond the 14 year age limit. You can look for tips and tricks to increase the lifespan in the health section.

How Much Does a Portuguese Pointer Cost

The Portuguese Pointer doesn’t have a fixed price because of its rarity. Furthermore, it is a very desirable breed which makes its price even harder to gauge. You can expect the price to vary significantly due to a few factors. The first is the area you live in, and the second is your doggie’s health.

Portuguese Pointer Temperament/Personality

The Portuguese Pointer is a friendly dog overall. It has evolved from its initial hunting instinct to a more family-oriented dog. Small pets are, however, always at risk of being chased. Other dogs will befriend the Portuguese Pointer quite easily. It also has a natural tendency to be wary of strangers. You can expect it to be an efficient Guard dog. Early socialization is necessary for it to grow.

The Portuguese Pointer may have a slightly stubborn side. This stubbornness can be eliminated if you incorporate a positive reinforcement teaching technique. You will also have to use innovative methods to teach it properly. By innovative methods, we refer to keeping the Portuguese Pointer engaged by any means possible. That’s all that it takes to train the Portuguese Pointer.

Caring for Portuguese Pointer

The Portuguese Pointer is a nice doggie that requires your consideration for its upkeep and prosperity. Therefore, we recommend paying attention to all of its needs and requirements highlighted below. Hopefully, these should be enough to give you an idea about your role and responsibility.

Portuguese Pointer Nutrition

The Portuguese Pointer will need at least two cups and max three cups of dog food. Keeping the diet between these two extremes is recommended. You should keep detrimental elements like Garlic and Chocolate far away from its food. These could prove toxic to its health and even prove to be fatal.

How to Groom a Portuguese Pointer

Setting up the Portuguese Pointer will need a bit of devotion to maintain its physical beauty. The first thing is brushing its coat. You will have to brush its coat at least four times per week. You can brush its coat more often, depending on your availability. The Portuguese Pointer should also be bathed after every two months. To keep its paws safe, you will have to trim its nails. Commonly the nails have to be trimmed after two or three weeks.

Portuguese Pointer Activity Levels

The Portuguese Pointer will need at least 70 to 80 minutes of daily exercise. We understand that devoting this much time every day could be difficult. You can use alternatives to get rid of that pent-up energy. You can use a Dog Treadmill to tap into its pent-up energy. You can also get some Rope and Tug Toys for your Portuguese Pointer to release that pent-up energy.

Caring for Portuguese Pointer

There are certain things that you must look out for. For starters carrying your doggie around should be more controlled. You should use a Dog Car Seat if you plan on using a car. You may use a normal Dog Carrier for more localized transportation. The safety of your doggie comes before anything. You should also get some Puppy Teething Toys for the initial stages of puppyhood.

Portuguese Pointer Health

The Portuguese Pointer is a pure breed. So naturally, it has a healthy immunity. Some conditions will affect its health, but overall the conditions won’t be that severe. The most probable conditions will include Hip/Elbow Dysplasia and generic Eye Problems. Most of these conditions will become more severe with age.

Taking the Portuguese Pointer to the vet’s office should be your prime concern. Please take it to the vet and rely on their counsel. The vet will give you much more reliable and trustworthy advice. You should ask your vet for appropriate eating and exercise routines as well.

Breeds Similar to Portuguese Pointer

Samoyed
Siberian Husky
Canaan
Portuguese Water Dog
Ariegeois

Best Dog Food for Portuguese Pointers

The best dog food for Portuguese Pointer is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food. This dog food has been crafted with chicken as the first ingredient that ensures better muscle health. It supports well-balanced food for better nourishment for your dog.

Provides a highly digestible food with better nutrition.
Equipped with omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E for better skin and coat health.
Includes amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

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Best Puppy Food for Portuguese Pointers

The best puppy food for Portuguese Pointer is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This puppy food is made of real buffalo, venison, beef, and bison. It supports strength in muscles while improving overall health.

Contains omega fatty acids 3 and 6 for shiny coat and skin.
Supports stronger digestion through the probiotic blend.
Free from corn, fillers, wheat, and artificial ingredients.

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Best Dog Crate for Portuguese Pointers

The best dog crate for Portuguese Pointer is MidWest Ovation Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has a garage-style dog structure that can be lifted and used conveniently. It has rounded corners to provide better safety.

Added security through slide-bolt latches.
Divider panel for extended usage.
Easy carrying with ABS plastic handles.

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Best Dog Bed for Portuguese Pointers

The best dog bed for Portuguese Pointer is Best Friends by Sheri Calming Lux Fur Donut Cuddler Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. This bed has a donut-like structure that ensures maximum comfort and relaxing sleep while providing a protective environment to your pal.

Dirt and a water-resistant bottom to avoid accidents.
Machine-washable.
Dryer-safe.

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Best Dog Harness for Portuguese Pointers

The best dog harness for Portuguese Pointer is PetSafe EasySport Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness. This harness has padded panels that provide a comfortable fitting with an enjoyable walk. It contains quick-snap buckles for easy on and off.