Overview
The Perdigueiro Galego is a rare pointing breed from Galicia, in the north-west of Spain. It is one of four traditional Galician breeds and is a practical, all-round gundog.
It is recognised by Spain's agriculture ministry and by the Galician regional government, though not by the national kennel club. Most still live and work with hunters.
History
Like several other Iberian and French pointers, the Perdigueiro Galego descends from Bracco Italiano type dogs brought to the region centuries ago and shaped by local hunters' needs.
It was once common in the province of Ourense. From the 1970s imported pointers became popular and partridge numbers fell, so the breed declined. The best surviving dogs were identified and recorded, and a stud-book was opened in 2001, managed by the breed club.
Appearance
A medium-sized, well-built pointer standing roughly 50 to 60 cm, with males about 5 cm taller than females. Weight is typically 20 to 30 kg.
The coat is short and dense. It is usually spotted or mottled on white in chestnut, orange, cinnamon or black, in two or three colours, though solid brown, yellow or black dogs also occur.
Temperament
A working gundog by nature, it is keen, attentive and eager to hunt alongside its handler. It points game, waits for the shot and then retrieves.
It is best suited to an active home and does not thrive as an idle companion.
Care and exercise
This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and real work to do, ideally field time with scent and birds. Bored dogs may become restless.
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Check the ears and feet after days in rough country.
Health
No breed-specific health problems are well documented. As with other medium-sized hunting dogs, keep ears clean and watch for joint and hip issues.
