Portuguese Pointer

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Origin / History The Portuguese Pointer is a breed that was developed to be a gundog. Dogs of this breed were used mainly for hunting grey partridges. These dogs are said to be descendants of dogs used by Portuguese falconers during the 5th and 6th centuries. These dogs are mentioned in a 12th century Portuguese book about hunting, which was written by Joao I. These dogs are also seen in the paintings of Alfonso III during the 13th century. Due to the Portuguese being explorers, it's possible that Portuguese Pointers have been part of the development of various other European gundogs. These dogs were also brought to England, where it became part of the foundation for the English Pointer.

Appearance Portuguese Pointers are medium-sized, well-balanced dogs. Their skull is broad and slightly arched, and their forehead is wide, high, and nearly flat. The muzzle of these dogs is deep, with a straight bridge. The teeth of these dogs are white, and meet in a scissors bite. Portuguese Pointers have large, brown, oval-shaped eyes with tight eyelids. They have drop ears that are medium in length and are set high on top of their head. These dogs have straight, long, and strong forelegs, and their feet are compact and oval to round in shape, with tight toes and thick pads. The tail of these dogs are usually docked by one-third its length. When left naturally, the tail must not go beyond the dog's hock. These dogs have a short and flat-lying coat.

Colours The coat of these dogs may come in any shade of brown or yellow. They can be solid or have white markings.

Temperament These dogs are lively and active. They work with enthusiasm, but they are also affectionate and friendly companions. Being multi-purpose hunters, these dogs are excellent when it comes to tracking and retrieving. These dogs are loving to their family members and can get along well with children as well as with other canines. As working dogs, Portuguese Pointers are used mainly for hunting game birds, waterfowl, and rabbits.

Height and Weight The height of these dogs range from 48 to 60 centimeters. Female dogs of this breed weigh around 16 to 22 kilograms, while males weigh 20 to 27 kilograms.

Common Health Problems The common health problems affecting Portuguese Pointers include hip dysplasia, seizures, diabetes, allergies, and gastrointestinal problems. Prospective owners of Portuguese Pointers should check with the breeder and get information regarding the health of the dog before acquiring it to avoid paying expensive medical costs.

Living Conditions It's best for these dogs to be kept in a suburban environment. It's not advisable for these dogs to be kept inside apartments, and they should be given enough space with which to run around and do some physical activities in.

Exercise Requirements Like many other dog breeds, Portuguese Pointers need much exercise. It would be good for these dogs to be given a job to do, and they will also benefit from being allowed to run around freely in a large, secure area. These dogs will also appreciate play sessions, but they should still be taken out for walks daily to satisfy their primal instinct to walk.

Training Requirements Their affectionate and eager to please nature make these dogs relatively easy to train. Harsh methods won't work on these dogs, and owners should be able to train these dogs with firmness and consistency. These dogs should also undergo proper socialization at a young age.

Life Expectancy The life span of these dogs is approximately 12 to 14 years.

Grooming Owners should brush the coat of these dogs to get rid of loose and dead hair. The coat of these dogs should also be rubbed occasionally with a piece of cloth.

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