Burgos Pointing Dog (Perdiguero de Burgos)

The Burgos Pointing Dog (Perdiguero de Burgos) is an exceptionally tenacious and hearty hunting dog native to Spain. It is used primarily in hunting but thanks to its steadfast temperament it’s oftentimes kept solely as a companion dog. This breed hasn’t yet acquired much following outside its homeland.

The Burgos Pointing Dog initially appeared in the Spanish town Burgos in the early XVI century. It is believed that it was developed from such native breeds as the Perdiguero Navarro (the Old Spanish Pointer) and the Sabueso Espanol. Some dog’s experts propose that the breed can be attributed to the newly invented since it was originally referenced in written sources only in 1808.

No matter when the Burgos Pointing Dog was bred for the first time it was honed over generations to become an outstanding sporting breed. Throughout its history it was mostly used to hunt deer. Fairly recently it has been adapted to point and retrieve smaller quarry, for example a hare, a quail and a partridge. The dog is extremely tenacious in its pursuit and possesses an excellent scenting ability. From the first impression it may seem somewhat clumsy but it’s actually able to move really fast and to easily overcome rough and hilly terrain. This docile breed also frequently plays a role of a family dog in its native country.

The population of the Burgos Pointing Dog shrunk significantly in the 30s of the XIX century when Spain was involved in the civil war. Apart from obvious hardships of the war time that influenced dogs as well as humans best specimens of this breed were also exported in numbers to Germany. Consequently by the late 60s of the XX century the Spanish Canine Society registered approximately dozen Burgos Pointing dogs each year. Moreover these dogs were of inadequate quality due to their heavy inbreeding.

In 1972 José Manuel Sanz Timón began an intensive breeding program to restore the former glory of the dog in its homeland. He combed the region of Castilla y León to locate any pureblood members, which was suitable for his goals. By the beginning of the 1980s Sanz Timón established a few separate bloodlines, which meant that the future well-being of the Burgos Pointing Dog has been completely secured.

In the recent years the Burgos Pointing Dog experiences an increase in popularity in Spain but this dog can be rarely seen outside this country. The breed hasn’t yet gained any international recognition.

As a working dog the Burgos Pointing Dog is very serious about its hunting duties and possesses all qualities, which are necessary for this occupation. This purports that this obedient, calm and self-assured dog can potentially become a wonderful pet, which will express outmost loyalty to its human family. Despite its prominent size it always handles children with proper cautiousness and carefulness. Nevertheless it certainly should be exhibited to their company since its puppyhood.

The Burgos Pointing Dog has a reputation of a fairly affable breed so it’s rather quick to make friends with new people. On first acquaintance majority of specimens displays cool and reserved demeanour but soon they will actively try to invite a new friend to play with it. This dog should receive a proper training to make a reasonable watchdog. Anyway it’s too friendly and outgoing to become a good guardian.

The breed hasn’t been noticed in any type of canine aggression and will gladly share its existence with one or more of other dogs. It can also be introduced in the households with other living dog with minimal problems. The Burgos Pointing Dog is characterised with well-developed hunting instinct so other species of animals will never be safe around it. Moreover some individual specimens will never be able to put up with a home cat even if they have been living together since an early age.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• deafness;
• eyes problems;
• canine hip dysplasia.

The maintenance of the Burgos Pointing Dog needs very little time and efforts. This dog possesses short and smooth coat, which should be brushed weekly with a bristle pin brush. After each and every hunting trip it’s also necessary to bathe it with mild dogs’ shampoo.

The feet of the dog should be checked for the signs of any splinters or thorns. Its ears also require regular examination and cleaning. The Burgos Pointing Dog sheds moderately.

The Burgos Pointing Dog is highly susceptible to training due to its willingness to please and obedience. However it will submit only to a confident, strong handler with individuality of a leader. The dog may also challenge from time to time his dominant stance so the trainer should always treat it with firm but fair hand.

The Burgos Pointing Dog demands only basic training in order to become a superb hunter and it’s actually capable of working in wide array of conditions including water. The only stimulus, which give results in its training, is gentle encouragement and favourite dogs’ treats. It isn’t recommended to use abusive methods while working with this dog because of its complete ineffectiveness.

The Burgos Pointing Dog is an excellent athlete, which should receive significant amount of physical exercise on a daily basis. It needs to be taken on a long, energetic walk but this breed indeed craves for regular opportunity to roam in a spacious but securely fenced area. It wouldn’t be wise to keep this dog as an exclusively family pet since it takes a lot of time and dedication to meet its exercise requirements.

On the whole this breed does best in the countryside where it is allowed to run unrestrained. Without sufficient amount of physical activity the Burgos Pointing Dog is prone to become restless, unreasonably nervous and sometimes even aggressive.