Portuguese Pointer

Also called Perdigueiro Português, Portuguese Pointing Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From Portugal, descended from the old Iberian pointing dogs.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20 to 27 kg1 2

Weight, female16 to 22 kg1 2

Height, male52 to 60 cm1 2

Height, female48 to 56 cm1 2

Sizemedium

FCI gives an ideal of 56 cm for males and 52 cm for females, each plus or minus 4 cm.

very kind and affectionate

devoted to its owner

persistent, keen worker

1 3

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.1 2

Colourslight yellowmedium yellowdark yellowyellow with white markings1 2

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.1 3

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.1 3

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.1 3

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.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In medieval times it was known as the podengo de mostra and worked alongside falconers.1
2
It is traditionally used above all to hunt the red-legged partridge.2
3
Its breed standard describes the ears as feeling like velvet.1
4
In 2006 there were 1,805 bitches registered in the Portuguese stud book.2

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).

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Pointer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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

Start a free diary

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard No. 187, Perdigueiro Português fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history
Wikipedia: Portuguese Pointer en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, stud book figures, use
AKC: Portuguese Pointer akc.orgused for temperament

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