The Burgos Pointer, also known as the Burgalese Pointer or Burgos Hound, is a dog breed that can potentially be a part of your family. But as a responsible dog owner, you should know everything about the dog.
In this article, we will explore all you need to know about this hunting dog breed. From their personality traits to their everyday needs—we have it all covered!
Overview
Height | 22-24 inches |
Weight | 35-45 lbs |
Life span | 12-14 years |
Exercise needs | 1-2 hours daily |
Temperament | Loyal, People pleaser, Quick Learner |
Grooming | Low maintenance |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Origin | Spain |
Origin of the Burgos Pointer
The Burgos Pointer dog breed originated in the province of Burgos in northern Spain, and that’s where they got their name from as well. Unfortunately, their history is not well documented, and they are believed to have descended from ancient Spanish hunting dogs. Similarly, these pointer dogs were also developed for their ability to track and point game birds, particularly partridge. It is also believed that local Spanish breeds were crossed with other pointing and scent hounds for their development.
Moreover, if we talk about their popularity, then the majority of them stayed within the borders of Spain, where they were highly praised and valued among the hunters. Soon, these dogs also learned other skills and were known for more than just hunting dogs. Today, dog enthusiasts understand the value and versatility of these Burgos Pointers that make them so unique.
Appearance Of The Burgos Pointer
The appearance of Burgos Pointers is one of the most significant things that sets them apart from other dog breeds. Here is what we are talking about:
1. Size and body
These medium-sized dogs stand at a height of about 22-24 inches and weigh 35-45 pounds. Generally, females are slightly smaller than males. Besides, these dogs are quite muscular and may look like someone who would just come running to you and shower you with slobbery kisses.
2. Coat
The Burgos Pointer dog breed has a short, dense, and sleek coat that lies close to their skin. This protects them from the harsh bushes and elements when these warriors are on the hunt. As for the coat colors, these dogs come in white with orange or chestnut markings.
3. Other features
Moreover, one cannot ignore but admire the pride they carry in their walks. Along with their noble head, expressive eyes, and long droopy ears, there is one more feature that you must have noticed by now—their tail. Yes, their tail is docked in regions where the practice is allowed.
Personality and Temperament
Below is everything you need to know about the temperament and personality traits of the Burgos Pointer dog breed:
1. Affectionate
The Burgos Pointer dogs are known for their ability to form emotional bonds with human companions. In fact, you will often find them seeking opportunities for cuddling and expressing their love through gentle nudges and tail wags.
2. Eager to please
Even though these dogs are pretty independent and serious, they can be eager to please their owners. This is a reason why they are easy to train, as they are always highly motivated by positive reinforcement.
3. Quick learners
Burgos Pointers are keen intellectual learners who can pick up on commands and tasks with ease. Combined with their pleasing nature, they are great dogs to train, and if you are a professional trainer— you are in for a ride!
4. Gentle, if trained
Last but not least, these hunting dogs can be gentle and soft in demeanor, but for this, you will need to train them well. You can train them to control their impulses and exhibit restraint. This is important in situations where their natural instincts as hunting dogs might otherwise prevail.
Grooming Needs of the Burgos Pointer
When it comes to grooming, the Burgos Pointer dog breed is a low-maintenance breed. So, if you are a working owner, you can groom them over the weekends. For you, we have a grooming guide right below:
1. Brushing
As they have a short and smooth coat, you only need to brush Burgos Pointers on a weekly basis. You can use a slicker brush or a soft grooming mitt that will help you remove any loose hair.
2. Bathing
As for bathing as well, these dogs do not require much maintenance. Bathing them once in 2 months or when they look exceptionally dirty, you can give them a nice warm bath. Also, make sure that you use dog supplies like a mild shampoo or soap to clean them.
3. Overall hygiene
In addition, you should also take your dog on regular dental checkups and keep their nails trimmed. Also, do not forget to clean eye boogers, debris, and ear wax, or keep an eye on fleas and ticks.
Exercise and Training Needs
Burgos Pointers need 1-2 hours of training sessions every day to stay in their best health and behavior. As a responsible dog owner, you should encourage them and include these exercises in their routine:
1. Early socialization
As mentioned, these hunting dogs have high prey drives and might go after small pets or rodents around your neighborhood. Also, this behavior can manifest into aggression towards strangers. For this reason, giving your dog proper socialization training and familiarizing them with social settings is essential.
2. Patience and consistency
The Burgos Pointer dog breed thrives on consistency, so be it giving them physical or mental stimulation, patience is essential. The good news is that these dogs respond well to reward-based training methods.
3. Everyday walks
Lastly, even if you miss out on agility training for a day or two, you cannot miss taking your dog on walks. It is because walking helps to keep your dog at peace, and their energy levels also stay calm throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Our final thoughts on whether or not Burgos Pointer is a good dog breed to pet, relies on whether or not you are an experienced dog owner. As these dogs require rigorous training, consistency, and patience, it can be a bit challenging for newbie dog owners. Especially, because this Pointer breed can show aggressive behaviors, they are better suited for professional or experienced dog owners/ families.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Burgos Pointers are not considered hypoallergenic. Even though they have a short coat and shed minimally, they can trigger allergic reactions. So, if you or someone in your household is allergic to danders, this dog breed might not be one.
The Burgos Pointer dog breed is known for its athleticism, intelligence, and affectionate nature, which truly sets it apart from other breeds. Also, these dogs are excellent hunting dogs and family companions.
The Burgos Pointer dog breed is not considered to be an aggressive breed. However, as they have a high prey drive, it can manifest into aggressive behavior if not socialized and trained well.
Yes! Being an affectionate dog breed that is versatile and loyal to its owner, Burgos Pointers are good family dogs. They can bond with human families, and if given time and commitment, they can gel pretty well.