The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog with a short straight coat. Although the coat is very short, don’t let that fool you — they can shed quite a bit. They’re usually some shade of yellow, though they can come in lighter and darker varieties. For the most part, the Portuguese Pointer has floppy ears and may have slightly-lighter paws than the rest of its body or some white patches in places.
These dogs are very energetic and affectionate. They have pretty high energy needs, so you’ll have to give your dog a fair amount each day. Dogs who have high exercise needs that never get met end up becoming destructive, as they find their own things to do. You’ll also have to give them some mental stimulation, which can be achieved in the form of lick mats and puzzle toys!
As they’re hunting dogs, there’s a high chance they won’t get along with smaller animals. They may feel the need to give chase, which means they aren’t always the best choice to live with cats (and certainly not even smaller animals).
Portuguese Pointer – An Ideal Family Dog
They can get along with other dogs, but they tend to be a little reserved. While they make great canine companions to others with socialization, they do tend to prefer the company of humans. They can be velcro dogs, which means you should take care with separation anxiety. Make sure they spend some time alone, but that it’s always a positive experience. If they’re crate-trained, leaving a high-value treat like a tasty frozen kong in there with them can really help.
Ultimately though, they may not do well being left alone for long periods of time. If you’re at work a lot, it’s something to consider. You will quite simply love this dog.
