Perdigueiro Galego
Also known as Galician Pointer
Spain, Spaniels and gundogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 50–60 cm
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Versatile
- Keen
- Cooperative
- Hardy
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Perdigueiro Galego is a rare, medium-sized pointing dog from Galicia in north-western Spain. It has a short, dense coat, usually white with chestnut, orange, cinnamon or black patches, though solid colours also occur. It is a versatile gundog that both points and retrieves.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 50–60 cm
- Adult weight
- 20–30 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–14 years
Most Perdigueiro Galegos live 12–14 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Its character is not well documented in English, but as a working pointer it is expected to be keen, cooperative and focused in the field. Like most gundogs bred to work closely with a hunter, it generally responds well to handling.
- Versatile
- Keen
- Cooperative
- Hardy
Food
For a typical 25 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,250 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1 L–1.5 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayIt needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally including off-lead running in safe areas, retrieving games or real fieldwork. A bored pointer can become restless at home.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat needs only a weekly brush. Check the ears, feet and coat after days in scrub or woodland.
Health
Almost all dogs live in Galicia, where a breed club keeps the stud book, so anyone interested will need to contact that club. Steady, reward-based training builds on its natural pointing instinct. Health information for the breed is scarce.
The breed can be prone to
- Little published breed-specific health data
- Ear infections (a general risk in drop-eared dogs)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Eye examination
Not every Perdigueiro Galego is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Like several other regional pointers of Iberia and south-west France, it descends from Bracco Italiano-type dogs brought into the area centuries ago and shaped by local hunters. It was once common in the mountains of Ourense province. Imported pointer breeds and falling partridge numbers pushed it towards extinction from the 1970s, until surviving dogs were traced and a stud book was opened in 2001.
- Country of origin
- Spain
- Type
- Spaniels and gundogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the Xunta de Galicia; not recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España, FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Perdigueiro Galego right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Perdigueiro Galego FAQ
How big does a Perdigueiro Galego get?
Adult Perdigueiro Galegos typically stand about 50–60 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 20–30 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Perdigueiro Galegos live?
Typically 12–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Perdigueiro Galego need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Perdigueiro Galego need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Perdigueiro Galegos easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Perdigueiro Galegos shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Perdigueiro Galegos good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Perdigueiro Galego live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Perdigueiro Galegos have?
The breed can be prone to little published breed-specific health data, ear infections (a general risk in drop-eared dogs). Not every Perdigueiro Galego is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.