Tarsus çatalburun

Also called Turkish Pointer, Tarsus Fork-nose, Çatalburun

Rare breedShort profile

From Turkey, around the town of Tarsus in Mersin Province on the Mediterranean coast.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg1

Height48 to 50 cm1

Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 20-25 kg without splitting by sex.

exceptional sense of smell

intelligent and obedient

calm at home, keen in the field

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A pointer-type gundog with a short, close coat. Its trademark is the split or forked nose, where a deep groove divides the left and right nostrils.1

Coloursbrownbrown and whiteliver and whiteblack and whiteblack1

Personality what they are like

A smart, biddable hunting dog that is calm and quiet in the house but full of energy once it is working outdoors.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High when working; bred to hunt upland birds and suited to active owners or working roles.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only simple, occasional brushing.1

The story where it all began

Hunters around Tarsus have bred this pointer for centuries to find partridge and francolin. Some researchers suggest it may share distant roots with the Spanish Pachón Navarro, another split-nosed pointer, from the time both regions were under the same caliphate.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its name means 'fork-nose' in Turkish, after the deep division between its nostrils.1
2
Puppies may show pointing behaviour at around two months old, and formal training usually starts at six to seven months.1
3
Thanks to its keen nose it is also used as a detection dog and in search and rescue work.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name 'çatalburun' means 'forked nose' in Turkish, referring to its distinctive split or bifid nose.1

Name ideas for your new friend

MaviRüzgarPashaZeytinKarabashAteşDenizGüneşBoncukYıldızKıvançPamuk

A day in the life told by a Tarsus çatalburun

I wake up early, ready for adventure. My human takes me to the fields, and I love it – I run with the wind, my nose pointed forward, searching for birds. I point at a bush, tail high, waiting. My human laughs and gives me a treat. At home, I am calm, lying by the fire. I watch the door, but inside I am peaceful. A good day: work hard, then rest. I dream of tomorrow's hunt.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel clubs: Not recognised by any kennel club.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tarsus çatalburun. 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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
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 Tarsus çatalburun, and at what times?

Feed your adult Tarsus çatalburun at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular mealtimes help keep them comfortable. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2

What should a Tarsus çatalburun eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw meat or eggs. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.3

How often should I bathe a Tarsus çatalburun?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Tarsus çatalburun need brushing?

Their short coat needs only simple, occasional brushing. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. Weekly brushing is also a nice bonding time.1 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Tarsus çatalburun's nails, and how often?

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

How much exercise does a Tarsus çatalburun need?

This breed has high energy when working, so daily walks and play are essential. Furry Diary's plan includes daily exercise, and they are best suited to active owners or working roles. A tired dog is a happy dog.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Tarsus çatalburun's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Tarsus çatalburun live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for breed-specific estimates. Senior years usually start around age 8, and regular vet checkups help them live a long, healthy life. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Tarsus çatalburun good with children and other pets?

This breed is calm and quiet in the house, but individual temperament varies. Early socialization and supervision are always recommended. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.1

Can a Tarsus çatalburun be left alone?

They are calm indoors, but how long they can be left alone depends on the individual dog. Start with short periods and build up, and ensure they have plenty of exercise before. For specific guidance, ask your vet or a trainer.1

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.