Uncommon Dog Breeds: The Spanish Pointer

Around since the 1500s, the Spanish Pointer is the result of crossing the Old Spanish Pointer with the Sabeuso Espanol, a scent hound. This breed greatly influenced the development of many other pointers including that of the Large French. Over the years breeders have focused on refinement, and during this process, the dogs have decreased in size .

Although today's pointer stands at only two thirds of its original height, the compact size lends it more speed and agility, enhancing the animals performance as a gun dog. During the early 1900s, this breed faced extinction. In the late 20^th century, their numbers began to improve as hunters rediscovered the many talents of this bird dog; it was a canine renaissance of sorts. The Spanish Pointer is still fairly rare outside of Spain.

The Spanish Pointer has a broad skull, rather square muzzle, and melancholy eyes. The ears are long, while the neck is thick with some throatiness. The body is muscular, and sports a rugged appearance. This breed has loose skin which gives it a bulky look. The tail is usually docked to two thirds of its length. The coat is short and glossy. Dogs can be either white with liver, or liver with gray-white dappling or roaning.

Also referred to as the Perdiguero de Burgos, this docile character is used primarily for pointing than retrieving swift quarry such as quail. Pointers are diligent trackers, focusing on the scent in a rather obsessive manner, until the source is found. Although somewhat ponderous in appearance, this active dog possesses great speed, stamina, and endurance. It is very surefooted, and can effortlessly cover the most difficult of terrain . A natural swimmer, the Pointer does just as well off the land as on it.

Eager to please its master, the Spanish Pointer is fairly easy to train. This breed rapidly picks up on new concepts. These dogs excel at hunting trials, as they ignore all distractions, and focus on the task at hand. This serious natured canine is a diligent worker.