Furry Diary

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
1

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. 1

    Its name means 'fork-nose' in Turkish, after the deep division between its nostrils.1

  2. 2

    Puppies may show pointing behaviour at around two months old, and formal training usually starts at six to seven months.1

  3. 3

    Thanks to its keen nose it is also used as a detection dog and in search and rescue work.1

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel clubs
Not recognised by any kennel club.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

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

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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 Furry Diary 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.14 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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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.

  1. Tarsus çatalburun - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

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