The Portuguese Pointer (perdigueiro Português) arose from Iberian hunting dogs with its presence in Portugal traceable to the early twelfth century.

However, during the nineteenth century when Portugal was experiencing considerable social hardships, the breed began a progressive decline.

It was not until the 1920s when some breeders made an effort to salvage the breed by locating some of the ancient Portuguese dogs in the inaccessible north of Portugal.

The tail is docked to half, or two-thirds the natural length, and held level with the spine when the dog is excited, hanging down otherwise.

However, hip dysplasia, patellar lunation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases are potential health concerns for dogs of this size.