Also known as the Perdiguero de Burgos, Perdiguero Burgos, and the Burgos Pointing Dog, the Spanish Pointer is an obedient and intelligent breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Spanish Pointer can be traced back to 16th century Spain. Enthusiasts believe the Spanish Pointer to have played a large role in the creation of several Pointer breeds, such as the French Pointer, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Spanish Pointer has been most commonly used for hunting deer, and hunting and retrieving small game such as rabbit and raccoon, proving its superior abilities to work endlessly in the harshest of environments while providing companionship.
Today, while the Spanish Pointer has attained an underground popularity as both a hunting and companion dog, the breed remains rather rare outside of its native Spain.
Personality Traits
Best known for its obedient and loyal nature, the Spanish Pointer thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and often looks to its owner for leadership and guidance. These dogs are highly intelligent and very easy to train. As a pet, the Spanish Pointer is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. This breed is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors, taking long walks, and having plenty of room to roam, run, and play.
Train-ability
Due to its eagerness to please and impress its owner and willingness to learn, the Spanish Pointer generally responds well to basic training and commands. These bright dogs have the ability to learn to perform most any task their trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training the Spanish Pointer. This breed requires a confident and serious handler with a stern yet gentle approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Spanish Pointer, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This breed is obedient by nature, highly intelligent, easy to train, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Spanish Pointer gets along well with children and other pets, known for its sweet and gentle approach to small children. These dogs are alert and aware of their surroundings, serving as effective watch dogs by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. The Spanish Pointer is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent hunting dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Spanish Pointer. These active and athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors, especially when under two years of age. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Spanish Pointer not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Spanish Pointer has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are rather quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. This breed must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
As previously mentioned, the Spanish Pointer remains rather rare outside of its native Spain and can prove quite difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Spanish Pointer is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, cataracts, hearing issues – sometimes leading to deafness, chronic ear infection, food allergies, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Spanish Pointer? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/p/perdiguero-de-burgos.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/perdiguerodeburgos.htm
