The Portuguese Pointer — known in its homeland as the Perdigueiro Português — is one of Europe’s most ancient pointing breeds, with origins in the royal falconry courts of medieval Portugal. Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and assigned to the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, the Portuguese Pointer is a devoted, athletic, and affectionate bird dog that combines genuine field capability with a warm, people-oriented temperament that makes it an excellent family companion. Rare in the United States but well-established in Portugal and parts of Europe.
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Portuguese Pointer
Lifespan12 - 14
Average Price$800 - $2,000
Weight20 - 2716 - 22
Height54 - 6050 - 56
PedigreeYes
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (recommended for breeding animals), OFA Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation (recommended), OFA CAER Eye Evaluation (recommended), General health screening by licensed veterinarian before breeding
NicknamesPerdigueiro Português, Portuguese Bird Dog
Pros
Ancient Portuguese gundog with a working pedigree stretching back to the royal falconry courts of medieval Portugal
Devoted, affectionate, and playful temperament that adapts well to family life alongside hunting capability
Extremely low maintenance short coat — essentially no grooming required beyond weekly brushing
Typically very good with children and adaptable to different living environments when adequately exercised
Cons
Rare in the United States — UKC recognized but not yet full AKC; finding a responsible breeder may require importing from Portugal
High exercise requirements as an active bird dog require committed daily outdoor activity
Strong bird dog instincts and prey drive require careful management around small pets
Hip and elbow dysplasia are relevant health concerns requiring OFA screening of breeding animals
The Portuguese Pointer’s origins trace to the Portuguese royal court of the 12th century, where a distinctive short-coated pointing dog was used in falconry to locate and indicate the position of quarry birds. The breed was documented in 18th-century Portuguese hunting literature and is believed to have contributed through export to the development of the English Pointer. Near extinction after the Napoleonic Wars decimated the Portuguese nobility who maintained the breed, the Portuguese Pointer was revived in the early 20th century by dedicated Portuguese sportsmen. The Portuguese Kennel Club (Clube Português de Canicultura) maintains the breed standard. The UKC recognized the Portuguese Pointer in 1996; the AKC has placed it in the Foundation Stock Service.
The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized, athletic dog standing 50 to 60 cm at the shoulder and weighing 16 to 27 kg. The build is compact and well-muscled, designed for sustained field work in varied terrain. The coat is short, close, and slightly coarse — extremely easy to maintain. Color is typically yellow ranging from light to dark, with or without white markings on the head, neck, chest, lower legs, and tail tip. The overall impression is of a lean, functional, and purpose-built bird dog with a warm, attentive expression.
The Portuguese Pointer is affectionate, loyal, and eager to please — a genuinely warm-hearted bird dog that brings the same cooperative spirit to family life that makes it an effective hunting partner. These dogs form close bonds with their handlers, are friendly with people of all ages, and are particularly good with children. The bird dog instinct is present; small pets may require careful management. The breed adapts well to suburban life with adequate daily exercise and is considerably less independent than many hound breeds.
The Portuguese Pointer is intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement training. Its eager-to-please character makes it one of the more tractable pointing breeds for basic obedience alongside field training. The breed excels at AKC hunting tests, pointing trials, and other field sports. Early socialization is straightforward given the breed’s natural warmth.
The Portuguese Pointer is typically excellent with children, combining an energetic bird dog’s enthusiasm for active play with a genuine warmth and patience that makes it safe and engaging around younger family members. The breed’s bird dog instinct means supervision around small animals is advisable, but with children in its household it is reliably gentle and devoted.
The Portuguese Pointer is generally a healthy working breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the primary orthopaedic concerns; OFA evaluations for both hips and elbows of breeding animals are recommended. Eye conditions have been recorded; OFA CAER evaluation is advisable. Bloat is a relevant risk given the deep chest common in medium sporting breeds; feeding management is a sensible precaution. A healthy Portuguese Pointer typically lives 12 to 14 years.
The Portuguese Pointer adapts well to suburban and rural living with adequate daily exercise. The extremely low-maintenance coat makes it practical for active families. Regular ear cleaning, routine dental care, and parasite prevention complete the care requirements for this clean, odour-resistant sporting breed.
The Portuguese Pointer's short, smooth coat requires minimal maintenance — weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove is sufficient to manage moderate shedding and keep the coat healthy. Bathe only when dirty. Check and clean the floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture-related infections; ear care is particularly important for this hunting breed that may work in water. Trim nails monthly and brush teeth several times per week. Professional grooming is not required.
The Portuguese Pointer needs 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — this athletic medium-sized gundog has significant field endurance. Long walks, runs, swimming, and controlled off-leash activity in enclosed areas are appropriate. The breed thrives in active homes with access to outdoor space. The Portuguese Pointer is currently in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in the US, meaning it is recognized but not yet available in AKC conformation competition. Contact breed clubs for US breeder contacts.
Feed the Portuguese Pointer two to three cups of high-quality dry kibble per day divided into two meals — morning and evening. Choose an active medium-breed formula with a quality protein source as the first ingredient. Hunting dogs working in the field need closer to the upper range; companion dogs need less. Monitor body condition monthly — the breed has a tendency to gain weight if not adequately exercised. Consult your veterinarian for precise portions based on your individual dog's weight and activity level. Fresh water should always be available.
Portuguese Pointer dogs in the United States typically cost between $800 and $2,000 when available from domestic sources; importing from Portugal adds substantially to acquisition costs. The breed’s rarity means domestic availability is limited. Contact the Portuguese Pointer Club of America or European sporting dog import networks for responsible sources. Lancaster Puppies occasionally features Portuguese Pointer listings from established US sporting dog breeders.
Contact the Portuguese Pointer Club of America or Portuguese Kennel Club networks for responsible breeders. Request OFA hip and elbow evaluations and OFA CAER eye certificates for breeding animals. The breed’s rarity means responsible breeders have waiting lists. Lancaster Puppies is a useful starting resource for finding established US Portuguese Pointer breeders and connecting with the sporting dog community.
