Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 12 and 14 years. A suitable diet, regular activity, weight control and veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed shows good overall robustness. Its endurance and its ability to adapt to varied terrains and climates correspond to its heritage as a hunting dog, but they do not exempt it from careful prevention of joint and skin disorders.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Breeding lines and adult dogs must be subject to targeted monitoring, particularly from an orthopedic, dermatological and ocular standpoint when the veterinarian deems it useful.
Hip dysplasia: A developmental abnormality of the joint that can lead to pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: A joint disorder likely to cause forelimb lameness and early osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation: An abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause discomfort, intermittent lameness, and joint wear.
Epidermolysis bullosa: A dermatological condition characterized by skin fragility and the formation of lesions or blisters.
Vitiligo: An acquired depigmentation of the skin or mucous membranes that requires a veterinary diagnosis.
Demodectic mange: A skin condition linked to the proliferation of Demodex, which can cause hair loss and inflammation.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Despite its short coat lacking an undercoat, the Portuguese Pointer can adapt to various climatic conditions. However, it is advisable to provide it with suitable shelter and to adjust exertion during periods of intense heat or marked cold.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its size and above all its level of activity, with regular monitoring of its silhouette and weight.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips, elbows and kneecaps checked regularly.
- Examine the skin and consult in case of hair loss, redness or lesion.
- Inspect the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after each outing in a natural environment.
- Brush the teeth frequently and monitor the length of the nails.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic protection up to date.
Vaccination
Portuguese Pointer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Portuguese Pointer need? Like all dogs, Portuguese Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Portuguese Pointer vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Portuguese Pointer booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Portuguese Pointer need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Portuguese Pointer
Veterinary monitoring may include an evaluation of the hips, elbows and kneecaps, as well as a regular skin examination. Choosing a breeding kennel attentive to the orthopedic and dermatological history of the breeding dogs is recommended.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
