Perdiguero de Burgos

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Perdiguero de Burgos is also known as Burgos Pointer, Spanish Pointer or Burgalese Pointer. It is an ancient dog breed that originated from Castile in the province of Burgos, Spain. This ancient breed, that has been used in the creation of a number of other breeds, is in existance since 1500s. A descendent of Old Spanish Pointer (Perdiguero Navarro) and Spanish Scenthound (Sabueso Espanol), this large dog was used as deer hunter in the past but today it is used to hunt small game like hare, quail and partridge.

Though smaller than the original Perdiguero de Burgos, about two third of the original Spanish Pointer, today's Spanish Pointer has gained much needed agility and speed which has helped the dog to be an excellent bird hunter. With ever so improved scenting ability, this dog can even qualify as a scenthound. It is an excellent swimmer as well. This outstanding breed works equally well on land and water. The dog stands between 20-25 inches and weighs about 50-70 lbs. It is characterized by its long pendulous ears and two folded sheets in the form of double chin. The head is large and powerful, skull is broad, convex and round and muzzle is broad and slightly convex towards dark brown, large and wide nose. Sad eyes of hazel colour are medium size and almond shaped. Long pendulous ears are triangular in shape, set at eye level and hang close to the head. A well defined dewlap is present on strong and powerful neck. Square body of this dog conveys clear impression of robustness with a level topline, well defined withers and muscled back. Chest is deep and wide with well rounded ribs. Tail is normally docked to one third of its original length. Its smooth, short, dense and evenly distributed coat comes in white and liver colours which combine to form a marbled or speckled coat.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by UKC.

Color

The basic colors of the coat are white and liver. These colors mix irregularly, giving a liver-marbled or greyish liver or liver-speckled coat as well as other combinations, according to whether the liver or the white is predominant and according to whether the white patches are smaller or larger. A very frequent characteristic of the coat, although not necessary, is a distinct white patch on the forehead; the leathers are always spotted in self-coloured liver. The liver coloured hairs may form distinct patches of that color, spread irregularly over the whole coat of the animal. The same applies to white hairs which may form patches of that colour in the coat without, however, being very extended.

Coat

The coat of the Spanish Pointer is dense, of medium thickness, short, smooth and evenly distributed all over the body down to the tissue between toes; finer on the head, the leathers and the legs.

Personality

Intelligent, obedient, calm and dignified, these are the traits that make Spanish Pointer a well behaved and excellent family companion besides being an outstanding pointing dog. It is very gentle and kind dog that is known for its soft approach towards children. This breed is known to be mild and tolerant of rough handling from children. This dog will tolerate other dogs as well but needs training not to harm other non-canine pets due to its high prey drive. Intelligent and obedient, this dog is known to be an easy to train breed with its docile and eager to please its master nature. Early age socialization will help restrain this dog from being aggressive towards other house pets and control its prey drive. This hardy dog is an excellent gun and pointing dog. With its agility and speed, it can clamb over harsh terrain and steep slopes. The dog loves to swim and it is equally able to retrieve game from land or water. It is a quiet breed that will not bark unnecessarily. Though easy to train, the dog needs a confident owner who must make sure to provide ample exercising opportunities to this dog so that it can let off its high energy levels. The Perdiguero de Burgos aka Spanish Pointer makes an excellent and loving family pet and hunting companion.

Care

The smooth coat of the Perdiguero de Burgos is very easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will leave the coat gleaming. Check the feet also, especially after the dog has been exercising or working. Dry the dog thoroughly after hunting to prevent chilling. Examine the ears regularly. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

Training this breed easy as it is intelligent, obedient and responsive to positive training methods. The trainer should display proper leadership skills to get the best out of this dog.

Activity

The Spanish Pointer is an exceptionally energetic dog that is more than a match for the most active families when it comes to exercising. This dog needs high levels of exercise or activities to be happy. Daily long walks and a yard in the house will ensure that this dog does not become frustrated due to lack of exercise. It needs to be working. This dog is certainly not for apartment living and it will best suit rural or suburban setting where it will have plenty of space to run and play.