Pet Wiki

Portuguese Pointer

Also called Perdigueiro Português, Portuguese Pointing Dog

A warm-hearted, loyal gundog, calm and sociable at home.

SizeMedium
Weight16 to 27 kg (35 to 60 lb)males 20 to 27 kg, females 16 to 22 kg12
Height48 to 60 cm (19 to 24 in)males 52 to 60 cm, females 48 to 56 cm12
CoatShort, hard coat
OriginPortugal, descended from the old Iberian pointing dogs.1
GroupPointing Dogs (FCI group 7)
Recognised breedShort profile
very kind and affectionate
devoted to its owner
persistent, keen worker
13

Personality what they are like

A warm-hearted, loyal gundog, calm and sociable at home. In the field it is curious, lively and tireless, and it likes to stay in close touch with its handler, though it can be a little reserved with unfamiliar dogs.13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, hard coat

Short, dense and harsh hair with no undercoat, lying evenly over the body. On the head and ears the hair is extra fine, which gives the ears a velvety feel.12

Colourslight yellowmedium yellowdark yellowyellow with white markings12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Pointer. 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 hunting breed made for long days on rough ground, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and enjoys work that uses its nose.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, harsh coat needs little more than a regular brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Happiest with an active family and access to open space.3

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its owner and enjoys working as a team with people.13

The story where it all began

Pointing dogs of this type are recorded in Portugal from at least the 12th century, when they worked in royal and noble falconry kennels. By the 16th century they had become the everyday gundog of ordinary hunters, and the modern standard was drawn up in the early 20th century.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In medieval times it was known as the podengo de mostra and worked alongside falconers.1

  2. 2

    It is traditionally used above all to hunt the red-legged partridge.2

  3. 3

    Its breed standard describes the ears as feeling like velvet.1

  4. 4

    In 2006 there were 1,805 bitches registered in the Portuguese stud book.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name 'perdigueiro' comes from 'perdiz', the common Portuguese name for partridge, reflecting its historical use in hunting these birds.4

Name ideas for your new friend

PerdizHunterVentoBellaRustyPedroCascaNinaMontePontoSombraRio

A day in the life told by a Portuguese Pointer

I woke up early and nudged my human's hand, time for our morning run! We headed to the fields, and I sniffed the air, pointing at a rabbit track. My human smiled and said, 'Good girl!' We walked through the woods, and I stayed close, checking in often. Back home, I lay by the fire, calm and happy. In the afternoon, we played hide-and-seek with my favorite ball. At dinner, I watched my human eat, then got a belly rub. Now I'm curled up, tired and content.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 187, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs; standard dated 04.11.2008. Wikipedia gives 1955 for FCI acceptance.1
Clube Português de Canicultura
Recognised in its home country; breed standard established 1939.2
AKC
Has an AKC breed page.3

Popularity 1,805 bitches registered in the Portuguese stud book in 2006 (Wikipedia).

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Portuguese Pointer tip

Portuguese Pointers thrive on high-quality protein to support their active build, but watch portions closely as they can gain weight easily. Choose single-ingredient treats like apple slices or carrot sticks, and always avoid fatty table scraps to protect their joints and reduce pancreatitis risk, ask your vet.

Source: purina.co.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Portuguese Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your adult Portuguese Pointer at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion, but you can choose times that fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.5

What should a Portuguese Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others, check the full list from ASPCA. Never give human treats without checking first.6

How often should I bathe a Portuguese Pointer?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The short coat doesn't need frequent bathing, once every three months is fine too. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Portuguese Pointer need brushing?

Brush your Portuguese Pointer weekly to keep its short, harsh coat healthy and remove loose hair. A weekly brush is enough, as the coat is low-maintenance. This also helps distribute natural oils.71 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Portuguese Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Portuguese Pointer need?

This hunting breed needs plenty of daily exercise, think long walks, runs, and play that uses its nose. Pet Wiki recommends daily walks and play. An active family with access to open space is ideal.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Portuguese Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth at least every other day with a dog-safe toothpaste, daily is even better. Check the floppy ears weekly and dry them gently to prevent moisture buildup. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Portuguese Pointer live?

Lifespan varies by individual health and care. For a typical range, ask your vet or a reputable breeder. They can give you the best estimate based on your dog's lineage.

Is a Portuguese Pointer good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is warm-hearted, loyal, and calm at home, making it great with children. It can be a little reserved with unfamiliar dogs, so early socialization helps. It bonds closely with its family.13

Can a Portuguese Pointer be left alone?

This breed bonds very closely with its owner and prefers company. It may struggle if left alone for long hours. An active family that includes the dog in daily life is best.13

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 187, Perdigueiro Português fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Portuguese Pointer en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, stud book figures, use
  3. AKC: Portuguese Pointer akc.orgused for temperament
  4. arba.org arba.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.