Portuguese Pointer
Complete Breed Guide
"Don’t worry, I’ll get that for you!"
Quick Facts About Portuguese Pointers
Hound
35–59 lbs
20–22"
No
Overview
Portuguese Pointers are extremely loving and loyal hunting dogs. They are excellent retrievers who need lots of love and attention because they have lots of love to give. Portuguese Pointers make excellent dogs for families who will meet their high exercise needs.
Portuguese Pointers are held in high regard for their bird hunting abilities and love nothing more than to retrieve game for hunters. Possibly the only thing they love more than hunting are their families. These dogs need lots of love and attention and give lots of love and affection in return. The Portuguese Pointer is a highly energetic dog who approaches every day with extreme enthusiasm.
Temperament and Behavior
Portuguese Pointers love their families to an extreme degree. They are so loving and loyal that they need to see some of that back from their owners. Lots of petting and affection toward this breed is necessary to keep them happy. Aside from attention and petting, this breed also loves the hunt. They will sniff out and retrieve game for as long as you’ll let them. Portuguese Pointers may bark when they see strangers, but they are almost never aggressive toward humans.
Coat & Grooming
The coat of a Portuguese Pointer is short and sleek. Their body fur feels a little coarse, but the hair around their ears is soft and velvety. A Portuguese Pointers coat requires at least a weekly brushing and a trim about every 6-8 weeks.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Portuguese Pointers have way too much energy for apartment life. They are little dynamos who need a safe place to play outside, preferably in a rural area. Rural families who have lots of time to hang out with their dog make a great fit. The Portuguese Pointer loves children to pieces and will also protect them. They are also excellent with other dogs, but beware, they sometimes will give chase to a kitty. If raised together, cats and Portuguese Pointers can learn to coexist.
Exercise & Activity
Did someone just say walk? That’s what your Portuguese Pointer is going to be thinking 24/7. These dogs are full of energy and need about an hour of intense exercise every day. Their favorite activity is hunting and retrieving, but they’re also down for a good hike or a game of fetch.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Portuguese Pointer FAQs
Common questions about the Portuguese Pointer breed, answered by our editorial team.
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