Portuguese Pointer
The Portuguese Pointer is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe — documented in Portuguese royal falconry records from the 12th century.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Portugal
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
16–27 kg (35–59 lbs)
Height
52–60 cm (20–24 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food appropriate for an active gun dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Portuguese Pointer is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe — documented in Portuguese royal falconry records from the 12th century. It is believed to be an ancestor of the English Pointer, brought to England from Portugal in the 17th–18th centuries where it was crossed with Foxhounds to produce the modern English Pointer. The Portuguese Pointer differs from the English Pointer in having a shorter, more pendulous muzzle, a more affectionate and family-oriented temperament, and a more moderate energy level.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A medium-sized, well-proportioned gun dog with a square head, pendulous upper lips (flews), and a short, dense, slightly rough coat. Yellow or brown in colour with or without white markings. The face has a characteristic "aristocratic" expression with deep-set amber or brown eyes.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate, devoted, and calm indoors — the Portuguese Pointer is one of the most family-oriented of the pointing breeds. Excellent with children. Calm and quiet in the home. Energetic and driven in the field.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 32°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
clinginess, barking, mouthing, restlessness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily. Low grooming. Ear cleaning weekly — pendant ears. Excels in pointing, retrieving, and hunt-point-retrieve trials.
Nutrition Notes
Generally very healthy sporting breed. Few dietary restrictions. Joint supplements for field dogs. Good heat tolerance (Portuguese origin).
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia (low rates). Very few other documented issues. 12th-century falconry records. Believed ancestor of English Pointer. Good heat tolerance. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1100 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy. Generally a healthy, robust breed due to centuries of working selection.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Good heat tolerance. Ancestor of English Pointer. India: rare but climate-appropriate.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Portuguese Pointer is believed to be one of the ancestors of the English Pointer — Portuguese dogs imported to England in the 17th–18th centuries for their superior pointing ability were crossed with Foxhounds to create the modern English Pointer.
The Portuguese Pointer is documented in 12th-century falconry records of the Portuguese royal court — making it one of the most historically documented of all gun dog breeds.
