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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Portuguese Pointer
The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog with a square face. The head has a
slight furrow. The muzzle is deep and the bridge is straight. The top lip should
fall naturally over the lower without folds. The teeth meet in a scissors bite.
The nose is either black or brown depending on the coat color, and the nostrils
are large and wide open. The ears are medium and drop. They are approximately 2
inches wide with rounded tips. The eyes are large, oval and brown or dark in color.
The neck is long and the chest is deep, reaching to the elbows. The tail is a natural
extension of the topline and is docked by one-third. The tail is strong at the base
and extends level with the back when the dog is alert or moving. The coat is short
and somewhat coarse. Coat colors include yellow or brown in solid with white markings.
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Temperament
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The Portuguese Pointer is one of the most affectionate canines on earth. This breed
has unwavering adoration for their owners and at times can be "inappropriate and
inconvenient". This breed is fast and has an excellent nose. They love to hunt and
retrieve. They are submissive and kind with their family. The Portuguese Pointer
needs constant petting and lots of attention. Early training should help with this
need. They get along good with children and other dogs. This friendly breed gets
along well with everyone and would not make a great watch or guard dog.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 20-24" ; Female Height: 19-22"
Weight: 35-60 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The Portuguese Pointer is occasionally prone to albinism.
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Living Conditions
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This breed is bred to hunt and live outdoors but will do fine indoors if they are
provided with lots of exercise. An apartment is probably not the best for this breed.
They would do better in a rural or suburban environment.
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Exercise
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The Pointer needs plenty of exercise. Long walks or play will satisfy their exercise
needs.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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The coat of this breed is easy to groom. Rub down or brush every few days to keep
the coat gleaming.
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Origin
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The Portuguese Pointer is also known as the "Perdigueiro Portugues", which is derived
from "perdigon", the Portuguese word for partridge. These dogs were believed to
have developed a number of European gun dogs. Similarities lie between the Portuguese
Pointer and the English Pointer. They are recognized by the FCI and the UKC, and
have been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®.
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Group
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AKC/FSS Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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