Overview
The Pachón Navarro is an ancient pointing breed from the Navarre region of northern Spain, heavier and slower than the modern English Pointer and famous for the divided nose seen in some individuals. It nearly disappeared in the twentieth century and is still a rare dog even at home.
The working style is methodical: a steady trot, nose working the ground and air, and a solid point when it finds birds. Off the field it is reported as calm, affectionate and tolerant, a dog content to lie by the fire once the day's work is done.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a half a day in one or two walks is a fair target for an adult. They like to cover ground at a trot with the nose working and are not dogs for a high-speed game of fetch. A varied country route suits them.
The short coat gives little protection from winter wet, so keep moving on cold days. In heat they fare better than many large dogs but still need water.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally fair for a gundog that works close to the gun. Game scent can pull them away in a straight line, so keep watching the nose in bird country.
- Pulling: Mostly steady, but the dog is heavy and will lean into a scent. A harness and a consistent lead routine are usually enough.
- Other dogs: Calm and sociable with most, rarely interested in confrontation. A sensible companion on a group walk.
- Pointing: Expect the dog to freeze on scent, sometimes for a while. Give it a moment and then call it on rather than hauling it off the point.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a long line in open country until you have seen the recall tested against birds.
- Dry the dog off after wet walks; the thin coat holds cold water on the skin.
- Check the nose and lips for cuts after rough cover; the split nose is prone to nicks.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog work in the field, and how does it behave around game birds and poultry?
- Any hip or elbow concerns, and does the vet limit distance or jumping?
- Is there a release cue the owner uses to bring the dog on from a point?