Portuguese Pointers
The Portuguese Pointer
Country of Origin : Portugal
Weight : 35 - 60 lbs
Height : 20.5 " - 22 inches
Registry : FCI , UKC
Group: Gun Dog
In Portuguese "Perdigueiro" means "Partridge Dog " and this breed is the native Partridge Dog. Also often called "The National" by the hunters in Portugal. This breed enjoys a proud history. The Pointer of Portugal stems directly from ancient hawking dogs of the fifth and sixth centuries. Where the hawking dogs came from is unknown, as Portugal was on the ancient sea trade routes from all directions. Afonso III, living in the 13th century, painted dogs of the type known today. Hawking dogs, then called Podengos de Mostra (Pointing Hound) were described in a Portuguese book of hunting by Joao I in the 1300s. During the same era, Gaston Phoebus described the big, beautiful body , grande head and cinnamon and white color of the Portuguese falconer's dog.
Well established for so long and with the extensive travel and trade of the Portuguese, this breed may have contributed much to the development of the European hunting dogs.
The Portuguese Pointer was introduced to England by a Portuguese businessman in the early 1700s. H. Symonds describes the Iberian Connection in A Treatise on Field Diversions in 1776 and says the "Pointer" was first seen in England "about 40 years ago." Although refined for English Tastes, the origin of the "dish" face on the Pointer of England is certainly explained by this history.
The Portuguese Pointer is a big classical, atheletic dog still comonly used by hunters in it's native country. The head has the short muzzel and light convexity which is unique to him and his English cousin.
Hunting instincts in the Portuguese Pointer are strong and natural, and devolop at an early age. They can withstand extremes of climate and do well in any terrain.
The Portuguese Pointer is exceptionally sweet and affectionate toward his master. In fact, the official standard says he can "go to extremes of affection, occasionally embarassing, which can easily be corrected by training." In short this breed takes pleasure in pleasing their master . I have even heard them described as velcro dogs due to their unwaivering desire to be with their master, although when taken to the field they become hunting machines that constantely keep within eye contact of their hunting partner.
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