Breed History:

The Burgos Pointer (Spanish: Perdiguero de Burgos) is an ancient Spanish hunting breed that traces its roots back to the 16th century in the province of Burgos, northern Spain. Developed for pointing and retrieving small game—particularly partridge and hare—this breed is thought to descend from the Old Spanish Pointer and local hounds.

Known for its calm demeanor and exceptional tracking ability, the Burgos Pointer was traditionally favored by Spanish nobility and rural hunters. Its reputation as a tireless worker made it a staple in hunting culture, especially in the Castilian plateau. Though lesser-known outside Spain, it remains valued among hunting enthusiasts and is gaining interest internationally for its versatility and noble heritage.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Burgos Pointer has a strong, athletic frame with well-developed muscles and a noble, balanced posture. It features a broad head, long pendulous ears, and a distinctive pendulous upper lip giving it a classic pointer expression. Its eyes are expressive and soft, usually hazel or amber in color.

The coat is short, dense, and smooth, with a white base color heavily mottled or ticked with liver or brown markings. A key visual feature is the large brown patches commonly found over the head and body. The tail is typically docked in working dogs.

Breed Type – Hunting / Sporting:

Primarily a pointing and retrieving dog, the Burgos Pointer is built for endurance in the field. It has a strong prey drive and an exceptional sense of smell, making it ideal for upland game hunting.

Despite its hunting roots, it is known for being docile, loyal, and affectionate, which makes it a good fit for active families and experienced dog owners. It bonds closely with its handler and is generally patient and gentle with children.

Training:

The Burgos Pointer is intelligent and cooperative, though it tends to mature slowly compared to other hunting breeds. With the right guidance, it learns well and shows great focus in the field. Consistency and patience are important during early training.

Training should be positive, reward-based, and engaging, as the breed responds well to praise and gentle correction. Socialization from a young age helps the Burgos Pointer adapt to different environments and people, as it can be reserved or aloof with strangers.

Health & Care:

Generally a robust and healthy breed, the Burgos Pointer has few breed-specific health issues. However, as with many medium large dogs, it can be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Ear infections (due to long ears)

• Obesity, if under-exercised

• Bloat (gastric torsion) in rare cases

Regular vet check-ups, ear cleaning, and maintaining a lean, active lifestyle are important for longevity and quality of life.

Living Conditions:

The Burgos Pointer is best suited to rural or suburban environments where it has room to roam and run. While it can adapt to home life, it is not ideal for apartment living due to its need for daily movement and stimulation.

The breed prefers outdoor activities and thrives in households where it can engage in hunting, fieldwork, or regular hiking. It is a calm indoor companion when its exercise needs are met. The Burgos Pointer does well in temperate to warm climates, though protection from extreme cold is advised.

Exercise:

This is an active sporting breed that requires at least 1–2 hours of exercise daily. Regular walks, off-leash running in secure areas, and structured training or tracking games help keep the dog physically and mentally satisfied.

Without sufficient exercise, the Burgos Pointer may become bored, destructive, or overly vocal. It benefits greatly from having a job or a clear purpose.

Grooming:

Grooming is low maintenance due to the breed’s short, sleek coat. Weekly brushing with a rubber glove or grooming mitt helps remove dead hair and maintain shine.

Routine ear checks and cleaning are essential due to its long, floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections. Also, keep up with nail trimming, dental hygiene, and tick checks after outdoor outings.

Advantages:

• Excellent hunting and tracking instincts

• Calm, gentle, and loyal temperament

• Low grooming needs

• Good with children and other dogs

• Strong work ethic and endurance

• Responsive to positive training

Disadvantages:

• Needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation

• Not suited for apartment life or sedentary owners

• Can be aloof with strangers without proper socialization

• Prone to ear infections if not properly cleaned

• May develop destructive habits if bored

• Matures slowly; requires patient, consistent training