Gun dog Large size 25-30 kg

Burgos Perdiquero

A steady Spanish pointing dog that is calm at home and biddable in the field - a good active-owner fit, provided it gets real daily exercise.

Quick overview

Large
Size
25-30 kg, 59-67 cm tall
High
Activity
Sporting dog; needs long daily exercise
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Calm temperament; copes with routine
High
Trainability
Cooperative and quick to learn
Very low
Coat care
Short coat; minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Even-tempered and gentle with children
Moderate
Other pets
Prey drive; supervise with small pets
Light
Health burden
Generally healthy; hip and ear care

The Burgos Perdiquero typically weighs 25-30 kg, stands 59-67 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you hunt, hike or run regularly and want a methodical field partner,
you value a gun dog that is genuinely calm indoors after work,
you want an easier-tempered alternative to hotter pointing breeds,
low grooming and generally sound health matter to you.

Do not consider this breed if…

a walk around the block is your idea of dog exercise,
small pets roam free - bird and rabbit drive is bred in,
you live in a small apartment without daily field access,
you need a breed available locally; outside Spain it is rare and usually means an import.

A typical day with a Burgos Perdiquero

  1. 6:45 · Morning
    60 min of running, fetching or field work
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Sleeps flat; a worked Perdiguero is silent at home
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Walk with scent games or dummy retrieves
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Short training block; it enjoys having a task
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Second outing, then quiet family time
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Settles anywhere; not a restless breed

Temperament and training

Scent drive Very high
Calmness at home High
Trainability High
Stamina High
Sociability High
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Reading the calm house manner as low exercise needs · Neglecting weekly ear checks under heavy drop ears · Skipping recall work because the dog seems naturally cooperative

Family and environment

Kids Good
Patient and even-tempered; a solid family gun dog.
Dogs Good
Typically easygoing; bred to work alongside other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Household cats can work if raised together; supervise.
Apartment Conditional
Only with serious daily exercise outside.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps, but the real exercise happens on outings.
City Manages
Adaptable temperament; needs green space within reach.
Countryside Ideal
Fields and hunting work are its element.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; check regularly
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited eye condition
Dental Disease Routine dental care needed

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Burgos Perdiguero cost?
In Spain, working-bred puppies are reasonably priced; in the US there is no established breeder base, so realistically you are importing at $1,500-$3,500 including shipping and paperwork, likely after a wait. Ongoing costs for a healthy 25-30 kg sporting dog typically total $18,000-$30,000+ over a 12-14 year life.
Is the Burgos Perdiguero calmer than a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Generally yes, and that is its main selling point. The Perdiguero de Burgos was bred for methodical, steady work at a walking hunter's pace, so it tends to have a lower idle than the hotter continental pointers. It still needs a real hour-plus of daily exercise - calmer does not mean lazy.
Is a Burgos Perdiguero good for families?
Yes, among the pointing breeds it is one of the more family-friendly: gentle, patient and tolerant with children, and usually easy with other dogs. The honest limits are its exercise needs and prey drive - an under-worked one is a big, restless dog, and pet birds or rabbits are never safe company.
Can I find a Burgos Perdiguero in the US?
Rarely. The breed is well established in Spanish hunting circles but has almost no presence in North America; expect to contact Spanish clubs and breeders, join a waitlist and arrange an import. If that is more project than you want, a German Shorthaired Pointer or another established pointer gives a similar dog with local availability.