Portuguese Pointer: a compact outline and a short hard coat
The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized, almost square dog with a broad head and short hair. Its size is smaller than several other pointing breeds, but daily outdoor activity still matters. Coat maintenance is straightforward alongside routine nail, ear and dental care.
The two height descriptions
The FCI gives males 56 cm and females 52 cm at the shoulder, each with 4 cm tolerance either way. The earlier UK guide uses narrower ranges of 54–58 cm and 50–54 cm. Both give weights of 20–27 kg for males and 16–22 kg for females.
The body is square or nearly square, with a short broad back and strong loin. The FCI describes short, hard, close, dense hair without undercoat, finer and shorter on the head and ears. The earlier UK coat description concentrates on color; the FCI gives the hair texture and absence of undercoat.
A rubber brush and infrequent baths
The AKC suggests a rubber curry-type brush to remove dead hair. It describes a coat that sheds dirt readily, with frequent bathing unnecessary. The earlier UK guide uses weekly grooming, giving a regular opportunity to look over the dog as well as brush the coat.
The same AKC care advice includes routine attention to nails, teeth and ears. Plan these smaller tasks as part of ordinary maintenance; a short, neat coat does not mean that the rest of care disappears.
Daily outdoor activity
The UK exercise category is up to one hour, with a large house and garden in town or country. The AKC discusses running, hiking and safe opportunities to exercise, particularly for energetic young dogs. Its account supports a real daily outing plan, rather than assuming a lower category means the dog can make do with little involvement.
Compare size and exercise separately
The Pointer is taller in its own description and has a UK exercise category above two hours. The Bracco Italiano is more substantial and has its own long-ear care and age-specific activity advice. Similar short coats can hide quite different body sizes and daily commitments.
Sources and further reading
Portuguese Pointer (Imp) at a glance
These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.
- Breed group
- Gundog
- Size
- Medium
- Daily exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Grooming frequency
- Once a week
- Coat length
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Suggested home size
- Large house
- Town or country
- Town or country
- Garden recommendation
- Large garden
- Lifespan
- Over 10 years
FCI breed standard
Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.
- Origin
- Portugal
- Group
- 7 - Pointing Dogs
- Section
- 1.1 - Continental Pointing Dogs
- Height
- Males: 56 cm; Females: 52 cm; Tolerance: 4 cm above or below
- Weight
- Males: 20–27 kg; Females: 16–22 kg
FCI gives reference heights of 56 cm and 52 cm with a 4 cm allowance in either direction, rather than the narrower ranges in the earlier UK snapshot.
Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2008-11-04; checked 2026-10-15
