Perdigueiro Galego

Size	Medium
Weight	20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 lb)1
Height	50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)males 55 to 60 cm, females 50 to 55 cm1
Coat	Short, dense coat
Origin	Spain, from Galicia in the north-west, especially the province of Ourense.1

Rare breedShort profile

versatile in the field: finds, points and retrieves

works both birds and small ground game

a traditional Galician heritage breed

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A medium-sized pointing dog with a short, close coat and a clear difference in size between males and females.1

Colourswhite with chestnutwhite with orangewhite with cinnamonwhite with blacktricoloursolid brownsolid yellowsolid black1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Perdigueiro Galego. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working gundog bred to search and point over rough hill country, so it needs plenty of exercise and outdoor activity.1

The story where it all began

The breed descends from Bracco Italiano-type pointers brought to north-western Iberia and south-western France centuries ago, which developed into local varieties. It was once common in the mountain villages of Ourense, but from the 1970s imported pointer breeds and fewer partridges led to a sharp decline. Surviving dogs were traced across all four Galician provinces and a stud-book was started in 2001.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is one of the four traditional dog breeds of Galicia.1
2
It was traditionally used on partridge, quail and woodcock, as well as hare and rabbit.1
3
Its strongholds were villages such as A Mezquita, Viana do Bolo, Riós, Laza and A Veiga.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Perdigueiro Galego' comes from Galician: 'Perdigueiro' means 'partridge hunter' or 'pointer' (a dog that points at game birds), and 'Galego' means 'Galician', referring to the breed's origin in the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain.1

Name ideas for your new friend

RexGalgoPuntoMonteRastroCazaBrisaSombraRayoTruenoLumeFaro

A day in the life told by a Perdigueiro Galego

I woke before sunrise, my nose already twitching with the scents of the morning. My human and I set out across the hills, and I quartered the ground with purpose. A rabbit bolted from cover, but I held my point steady, tail straight. My human praised me with a pat. Later, we paused by a stream where I splashed and cooled my paws. The afternoon was for exploring a new patch of woodland, each scent a story. By dusk, I was tired but content, curled at my human's feet as the stars came out. Another day well hunted.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Xunta de Galicia / Spanish Ministry of Agriculture: Officially recognised as a native breed; stud-book established in 2001, kept by the Club de Raza do Perdigueiro Galego.1
Real Sociedad Canina de España: Not recognised.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Perdigueiro Galego, and at what times?

Feed your adult Perdigueiro Galego at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog best.2

What should a Perdigueiro Galego eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food suitable for an active breed is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.3

How often should I bathe a Perdigueiro Galego?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Always use a gentle dog shampoo to protect their short coat.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Perdigueiro Galego need brushing?

Brush your Perdigueiro Galego weekly to keep their short, dense coat healthy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Perdigueiro Galego's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Perdigueiro Galego need?

This breed was bred to work over rough hill country, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and outdoor activity. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy and fit.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Perdigueiro Galego's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least 2-3 times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks, drying ears gently.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Perdigueiro Galego live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years usually start around age 8. For a more accurate estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Perdigueiro Galego good with children and other pets?

This information is not provided in the sources. For a reliable answer, ask a good breeder or an experienced vet who knows the breed.

Can a Perdigueiro Galego be left alone?

This information is not provided in the sources. For a reliable answer, ask a good breeder or an experienced vet who knows the breed.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.