Origin
Many experts say that the Iberian Peninsula (found in southwestern Europe, occupied by Spain and Portugal) was the place where many European pointing dog breeds has originated, including the Burgos Pointer.
Also widely known as the Perdiguero de Burgos, this Spanish pointer is considered to be the most grandiose of all pointing breeds.
The Burgos Pointer has contributed greatly to the progress of other pointing breeds, particularly the larger ones (Large French Pointer) and the medium-sized breeds as well.
They’ve been around since the 1500s and are thought to be the descendants of the Perdiguero Navarro (Old Spanish Pointer) and Sabueso Español (a scenthound breed).
This breed became almost extinct during Spain’s Civil War (1930’s). The situation was worsened because many of these dogs were taken out of Spain by volunteered German soldiers who were stationed there. In the late 1960s, the Spanish Canine Society only registered about a dozen of Burgos Pointers every year.
The story started to change in 1972 when José Manuel Sanz Timón decided to revive the breed. He searched the area of Castilla y León for the last remaining Burgos Pointers that he could use in an intensive breeding program.
José together with other fellow breed fanciers created the first club in 1983, solely for the Burgos Pointer– the AEPPB or Asociación Española del Perro Perdiguero de Burgos. It’s mission was to establish a long-term breeding and testing system intended to elevate the level of field ability and conformation in the breed.
However, because of the club’s firm requirements, many fanciers did not agree with the AEPPB’s programs, leading to the formation of two other clubs: the EAPPB (Club Español de Amigos del Perro Perdiguero De Burgos) and the AECPB (Asociación Española de Cazadores con Perdiguero de Burgos).
Today, it’s constantly gaining wide popularity among dog owners in Spain, including hunters who are now realizing the full potential of this breed.
Traits and Behavior
The Burgos Pointer is intelligent, active, jolly and independent. They are proud, brave, well-balanced and has excellent guarding instincts. Serene and calm, they look for companionship with their masters because they enjoy serving and guarding them.
They are devoted and friendly to their masters and are protective of the children as well. However, they can be suspicious of strangers so they must acquire good socialization if you intend to have them in the neighborhood.
These dogs require a lot of space for them to be kept active. Otherwise, they may feel grumpy or even unhappy if they are kept in a small area. They show bravery with the potential predators and will bark loudly when other animals and strangers get closer to their territory.
Pet Care and Diseases
These Burgos Pointers are very simple to groom. An intermittent brushing and combing can be enough for them since they are average shedders. This means that they only shed two times yearly. You may remove their loose hair by doing an everyday massage using a special latex glove.
Also, the Burgos Pointer likes a warm climate. These breeds also need sufficient and vigorous exercise daily which includes an everyday long walk. They can be very active indoors so they must have a space like a small backyard so that they will stay as lively as always. This breed will also tend to become lazy and overweight if they can’t have proper exercise.
The Burgos Pointers are susceptible to a slipped patella or dislocation of kneecaps, kidney failure as well as heart defects. They may also have allergies in their skin and with fleas. Additionally, these dogs are very likely to experience zinc deficiency that may cause death.
They can gain weight so easily so they must not be overfed. The Burgos Pointers are also disposed to have deafness. They can live a long fruitful life depending on the consistency of your care.
Appearance
The modern Burgos Pointer is smaller and lighter in contrast to their successors because breeders in Spain have made great efforts to develop and hone its fine qualities as a bird-hunting dog.
Nowadays, the males could grow as tall as 62-67 cm (24 to 26 in) while approximately 59-64 cm (23 to 25 in) for the females. Both genders can weigh up to25-30 kg (55 to 66 pounds).
The well-developed, square-shaped head has a strong facial expression with a muzzle that is long and ears that are hanging. It has muscular shoulders and a deep, broad chest.
The coat is short and dense that comes in two color variations: white and liver (irregularly patched). Some dogs have a distinct white patch on their forehead. Black coat color or tan markings above the eyes or on the legs is a disqualification.
General Information
The estimated life of a Burgos Pointer is about 12-14 years. The maximum litter size is about 7-8 puppies. Other names for this breed include Perdiguero de Burgos, Perdiguero Burgos, Burgos Pointing Dog and Spanish Pointer.
Breed Club
Visit these dog club websites dedicated to Burgos Pointers. Click this link: