Portuguese Pointer (Imp) Breed Information and Buying advice

Overview

The Portuguese Pointer (Perdigueiro Português) is a medium-sized gundog originating from Portugal, bred for close-range hunting and strong cooperation with handlers. Known for its loyal temperament, intelligence, and steady working style, this breed is both a capable field dog and a devoted companion. Although well established in its native country, the Portuguese Pointer is relatively rare in the UK and often imported. This makes responsible breeder selection essential.

Physical Appearance

The Portuguese Pointer is classed as a medium-sized athletic dog with a strong yet balanced build.

Key physical characteristics:

• Muscular, compact frame

• Short, dense coat

• Broad head with expressive features

• Medium-length drop ear

• Strong, straight limbs

The coat is typically yellow (from light to dark shades) with or without a red tint, sometimes with white markings to their face, tail and limbs, or patched with white on the body.

How big do Portuguese Pointer dogs get?

• Height:

  • Males: 52 to 60 cm

  • Females: 48 to 56 cm

• Weight:

  • 16 to 27kg

Character Traits

The Portuguese Pointer is intelligent, eager to please, and highly loyal. Compared to some other gundogs, it is known for being particularly people-focused.

They are best described as:

• Devoted and affectionate

• Calm in the home

• Energetic when working

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: High

• Affection: High

• Energy level: Moderate to high

• Loyalty: Strong

• Playfulness: Moderate

• Aggression: Not aggressive

• Trainability: High

• Guarding ability: Low

This breed responds well to consistent, positive training.

Ability to Socialise

The Portuguese Pointer is generally well-balanced when properly socialised.

• With other dogs: Good

• With children: Very good in active families

• With cats and small pets: Prey drive present — supervision required

• With strangers: Friendly and approachable

Early exposure supports confidence and stability.

Lifestyle Suitability

The Portuguese Pointer suits active homes that can provide both exercise and companionship.

Best suited to:

• Active individuals or families

• Owners interested in training or outdoor activity

• Homes with secure outdoor space

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Possible with commitment

• Apartment living: Not ideal

• Left alone: Short periods only

• Noise sensitivity: Low

• Barking: Low to moderate

• Drooling: Low

• Heat tolerance: Good

• Cold tolerance: Moderate

This breed thrives on involvement and routine.

General Health & Health Issues

Average lifespan: 12–14 years

The Portuguese Pointer is generally a healthy breed, but possible concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Eye conditions (rare)

Responsible breeding and health screening are important.

Exercise & Play Time

Minimum requirement: 1.5–2 hours daily

Ideal activities:

• Long walks

• Field work or scent games

• Retrieving exercises

• Structured training sessions

This breed benefits from both physical and mental stimulation.

Nutrition & Feeding

A high-quality, balanced diet suited to active dogs is recommended.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 250–400 g per day, depending on activity

• Puppies require controlled feeding during growth

Maintain lean body condition.

Care & Maintenance

Grooming

The short coat is low maintenance:

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional bathing

• Routine ear and dental care

Shedding is low to moderate.

Emotional Care

Portuguese Pointers are highly people-oriented and may develop behavioural issues if left alone frequently. They thrive in structured, engaged homes.

History of the Portuguese Pointer

The Portuguese Pointer dates back several centuries and is believed to be one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe. It was developed in Portugal for close-working hunting, particularly in partnership with falconers and hunters. The breed contributed to the development of other pointing breeds and remains highly valued in Portugal today.

Interesting Facts About Portuguese Pointer Dogs

• One of the oldest pointing breeds

• Originated in Portugal

• Known for close working style with hunters

• Influenced other European gundog breeds

Getting a Portuguese Pointer Puppy

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your Portuguese Pointer puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards carefully.

More specifically, here is some Portuguese Pointer puppy buying advice:

This is an active gundog that requires regular exercise and engagement. Buyers who cannot commit to daily activity and training should reconsider. This breed is also highly people-oriented and requires daily engagement. Puppies raised without proper early interaction may develop nervous or overly dependent behaviour.

Because the breed is relatively rare in the UK and often imported:

• Confirm pedigree authenticity / Kennel Club registration

• Check health screening documentation, verify health testing (hip and elbow scores)

• Avoid unusually cheap imported puppies

• Ensure the breeder understands the breed's working background and that early socialisation has been prioritised

• Meet the mother and assess stability

Average Costs

Owning a Portuguese Pointer involves ongoing financial commitment.

Typical purchase price:
£1,200 – £2,500

Monthly food cost:
£50–£70

Insurance:
£40–£65 per month

Annual routine veterinary care (approximate):
£300–£600

Imported lines may increase initial purchase costs.

Other Reading and Responsible Ownership

For further information:

• The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk

While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may explore recognised rehoming routes.