Portuguese Pointer
葡萄牙指示犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Portuguese Pointer — Perdigueiro Português, from perdigão, partridge — probably descends from the dogs used by Portuguese falconers in the fifth and sixth centuries, and appears in a twelfth-century Portuguese hunting book and thirteenth-century paintings; as a seafaring nation's gun dog it likely influenced several other European breeds. It is a medium-sized, almost square dog of about 48–58 cm and 16–27 kg with a distinctive square face, drop ears and a short flat-lying coat. The UKC standard says its affectionate nature is so intense that the Portuguese standard describes it as occasionally even embarrassing — a devotion that makes it a joy in the field.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 48.3–58.4cm |
| Weight | 15.9–26.8kg |
| Life expectancy | 14years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss |
| Role | Sporting |
| Coat | Short coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
No breed-specific screening named
The AKC breed page says Portuguese Pointers are generally a very robust, healthy breed with no health issues specific to the breed, but that care should be taken to ensure breeding dogs and their relatives are free of known health issues including seizures, hip dysplasia and early-onset cancers or autoimmune disease. Ask your vet or breeder about hip screening for an active gun dog.
Behaviour
Intensely affectionate, works close to the handler
The UKC standard says the Portuguese Pointer has strong hunting instincts and is a tenacious hunter in all sorts of terrain and climate, and that its affectionate nature is so intense that the Portuguese standard describes it as occasionally even embarrassing; this devotion makes the dog a joy in the field because no dog delights more in sharing the hunt with its master. The AKC adds that the breed is calm and very sociable but can be somewhat haughty towards other dogs.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Portuguese Pointer breed standard
UKC Gun Dog Group standard: Portuguese history, characteristics, short coat, and desirable height (males 22 in, females 20 in, ±1 in) and weight (males 51 lb, range 44–59; females 42 lb, range 35–48).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Portuguese Pointer (Foundation Stock Service)
AKC FSS breed page: height 20.5–22 in, weight 35–59 lb, life expectancy 14 years, temperament and health notes.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Portuguese Pointer — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Portuguese Pointer — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.