Overview
The Perdiguero de Burgos is a large, heavy-boned pointing dog from the Castilian plateau, bred for centuries to hunt partridge and later deer and hare in open, dry country. It is liver and white, often heavily roaned, with a big head, long ears and loose lips, and it carries itself with a steady, unhurried air.
Burgos Pointers are known for an even, gentle temperament and an easy way with people and other dogs. They are less fizzy than most continental pointers and more inclined to plod. In the UK they are a rarity; owners are usually shooting people or breed enthusiasts.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a half of daily exercise suits most adults, with some off-lead time on open ground. The breed works at a measured trot and does not need the mileage of a lighter pointer.
Build in a retrieve or a hunt for a hidden toy. They are willing workers and a few minutes of purpose does more than extra distance.
On the walk
- Recall: Good for a pointer. They are biddable and not inclined to range far. Partridge, pheasant and rabbits will still freeze or pull them.
- Pulling: Low to moderate, with weight behind it when it happens. A harness is comfortable and gives you control.
- Other dogs: Calm and sociable. Fits easily into a group walk of similar-sized dogs.
- Ears and lips: Long ears and loose flews collect water, mud and food. Wipe after wet walks and dry inside the ears.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk at a steady pace and let the dog work the breeze; it hunts with its head up.
- Carry a dummy for a few retrieves at the end to bring the dog's attention back to you.
- Look inside the ears after every wet or dusty walk.
- Keep an eye on weight; this is a heavy breed that gains easily on too little exercise.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog trained for the gun, and which cues or whistle signals does it know?
- Any hip, elbow or ear problems that need watching?
- How does it behave around game birds and rabbits, and does it range far when off lead?