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How do I find a puppy to buy?
Remember that Portuguese pointers are still a rare breed outside of their native Portugal. As such,
reputable breeders can be difficult to find. Breeder contacts can be found on the UKC and AKC websites.
There are excellent breeders abroad so don't limit your search to the US only. You can request a current
list of Portuguese breeders from the CPC (the Portuguese Kennel Club) website. General internet
searches also provide quite a few breeders' websites now. Just remember to do your homework to ensure
you are working with a reputable breeder! You'll have your dog for many years and your relationship with
the breeder should last longer than just until the check is cashed!
Remember that Portuguese pointers are still a rare breed outside of their native Portugal. As such,
reputable breeders can be difficult to find. Breeder contacts can be found on the UKC and AKC websites.
There are excellent breeders abroad so don't limit your search to the US only. You can request a current
list of Portuguese breeders from the CPC (the Portuguese Kennel Club) website. General internet
searches also provide quite a few breeders' websites now. Just remember to do your homework to ensure
you are working with a reputable breeder! You'll have your dog for many years and your relationship with
the breeder should last longer than just until the check is cashed!
| Last updated 20 April 2011 |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
Do Portuguese pointers make good family pets?
Absolutely! Their friendly personalities and compact size make them ideal as both housepets and active
outdoor companions.
Absolutely! Their friendly personalities and compact size make them ideal as both housepets and active
outdoor companions.
Do they shed?
Yes. People often think that short-coated breeds like Portuguese pointers don't shed but they do. If
shedding is a problem, you might want to check out a low shedding breed instead as only true hairless
dogs don't shed.
Yes. People often think that short-coated breeds like Portuguese pointers don't shed but they do. If
shedding is a problem, you might want to check out a low shedding breed instead as only true hairless
dogs don't shed.
What colors do they come in?
Portuguese pointers are only found in shades of yellow, with or without white markings. Bear in mind that
"yellow" can range from a light chamois color to a deep chestnut red. The pigment of the nose, lips and
eye rims should always be black. On occasion, puppies can be produced with brown skin pigment instead
of black. This is considered a fault. For more information on how this can occur, see our primer on color
genetics of the Portuguese pointer.
Unfortunately, there have been recent reports of black or liver Portuguese pointers, allegedly arising from
"throwback" genes. There have not been any black or liver Portuguese pointers in existence for many
years. Invariably, these "rare-colored" dogs have been found to be the result of a less-than-reputable
breeder's cross of a Portuguese pointer to an English pointer or some other breed which carries the genes
to produce colors other than yellow..
Portuguese pointers are only found in shades of yellow, with or without white markings. Bear in mind that
"yellow" can range from a light chamois color to a deep chestnut red. The pigment of the nose, lips and
eye rims should always be black. On occasion, puppies can be produced with brown skin pigment instead
of black. This is considered a fault. For more information on how this can occur, see our primer on color
genetics of the Portuguese pointer.
Unfortunately, there have been recent reports of black or liver Portuguese pointers, allegedly arising from
"throwback" genes. There have not been any black or liver Portuguese pointers in existence for many
years. Invariably, these "rare-colored" dogs have been found to be the result of a less-than-reputable
breeder's cross of a Portuguese pointer to an English pointer or some other breed which carries the genes
to produce colors other than yellow..
How much does a Portuguese pointer cost?
As with most breeds, prices vary from breeder to breeder. In Portugal, 600-800 euros can be expected as
an average price for a puppy. In the US, you will more likely see prices of $1000 -$2500. Shipping costs
are extra and also vary depending on which airline or transport service is used. Remember, price is not
necessarily indicative of quality.
As with most breeds, prices vary from breeder to breeder. In Portugal, 600-800 euros can be expected as
an average price for a puppy. In the US, you will more likely see prices of $1000 -$2500. Shipping costs
are extra and also vary depending on which airline or transport service is used. Remember, price is not
necessarily indicative of quality.
Do they need a lot of exercise?
Exercise is important for any dog's health and well-being. These are sporting dogs and as such,
Portuguese pointers love to run and hunt when given the opportunity. That being said, there is no reason
to think that if you don't have 100 acres full of quail and pheasant, your dog won't be happy! Prospective
owners should be prepared to exercise their dogs daily, preferably with an opportunity for a good free run
in a safe area, of course!
Exercise is important for any dog's health and well-being. These are sporting dogs and as such,
Portuguese pointers love to run and hunt when given the opportunity. That being said, there is no reason
to think that if you don't have 100 acres full of quail and pheasant, your dog won't be happy! Prospective
owners should be prepared to exercise their dogs daily, preferably with an opportunity for a good free run
in a safe area, of course!
Do Portuguese pointers have health problems like other breeds?
While Portuguese pointers are generally a very robust and healthy breed, it would be naive and
erroneous to say that health issues do not exist within the breed. Please see our web page on Health for
more information. Be sure to ask the breeder about health issues not only in the parents but in their
relatives before deciding to purchase a puppy. When applicable, ask to see proof of health screenings
such as PennHIP reports or check the OFA database.
While Portuguese pointers are generally a very robust and healthy breed, it would be naive and
erroneous to say that health issues do not exist within the breed. Please see our web page on Health for
more information. Be sure to ask the breeder about health issues not only in the parents but in their
relatives before deciding to purchase a puppy. When applicable, ask to see proof of health screenings
such as PennHIP reports or check the OFA database.