Burgos Retriever
Breed Description

The Burgos Retriever is most commonly known by its Spanish name, Perdiguero de Burgos, which directly translates to "partridge dog of Burgos." This nomenclature reflects both the breed's geographic origin in the Burgos province of northern Spain and its historical use hunting partridge and other game birds. While "retriever" emphasizes one aspect of the breed's versatility, it's important to note that this dog is actually a pointing breed that also retrieves, making it a truly versatile hunting companion.

In international circles, the breed is sometimes called the Spanish Pointer, though this name can be ambiguous as it has historically been applied to various Spanish pointing breeds. The term "perdiguero" itself was used generically in Spain to describe any dog that hunted partridge, which has led to some confusion in historical records. Breed historians emphasize that not every mention of a "perdiguero" or "Spanish Pointer" in historical documents necessarily refers to the specific breed we recognize today as the Perdiguero de Burgos.

Various regional Spanish pointing breeds existed historically, including the Pachón de Navarra, Perdiguero Navarro, Perdiguero Leonés, Perdiguero Gallego, and others. These local varieties sometimes differed only in name but in other cases showed distinct characteristics in size, coat, or working style. The differences often reflected varying proportions of blood from the foundational types: Sabuesos (tracking dogs) and Pachónes (early pointing dogs). The Burgos variety became more formally recognized and documented after 1808.

The breed gained its distinctive association with Burgos through centuries of selective breeding in that region. Historical references include documentation from the King's German Legion around 1808 mentioning "dogs called Perdigueros in Burgos." Later, the 1907 book "Geschichte der Königlich Deutschen Legion" by Bernhard Schwertfeger describes large brown and white dogs from the Burgos area, providing additional historical validation of the breed's regional identity.

Modern recognition of the breed includes acceptance by major international kennel organizations. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Perdiguero de Burgos on January 1, 1996, placing it in the Gun Dog Group. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 (Continental Pointing Dogs, Braque Type), with working trial requirements. While not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club (UK), the breed's presence is growing internationally with dedicated enthusiasts working to increase awareness and establish breeding programs outside Spain.

The preservation and promotion of the Burgos Retriever is championed by several organizations, most notably in Spain where the breed originated and maintains its strongest presence. The primary organization is the Asociación Española del Perro Perdiguero de Burgos (AEPPB), founded in 1983 through the efforts of José Manuel Sanz Timón and fellow breed enthusiasts. This organization emerged from a dedicated rescue effort that began in 1972 when Sanz Timón initiated a search throughout Castilla y León for remaining specimens of the breed, which had nearly disappeared following the Spanish Civil War.

The AEPPB established comprehensive standards and requirements designed to preserve both the breed's working abilities and proper conformation. By the early 1980s, Sanz Timón had developed seven distinct bloodlines that formed the foundation of the modern breed. The organization organizes field trials, conformation shows, and breeding evaluations to ensure registered dogs meet established standards. Their strict requirements led to the formation of a second organization, the Club Español de Amigos del Perro Perdiguero De Burgos (CEAPPB), which takes a somewhat different approach while sharing the goal of breed preservation.

Both Spanish clubs emphasize maintaining the breed's hunting capabilities alongside proper physical type and temperament. They work to educate the public about the breed and support responsible breeding practices. These organizations were instrumental in bringing the breed back from the brink of extinction and continue to play vital roles in its future.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, representing kennel clubs from around the world, officially recognizes the Perdiguero de Burgos in its classification system. The FCI places the breed in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1 (Continental Pointing Dogs), Subsection 1.1 (Braque Type). Importantly, the FCI requires working trials for the breed, ensuring that breeding stock maintains the hunting abilities for which the breed was developed. This emphasis on function over form helps preserve the breed's working heritage.

The United Kennel Club was the first major international organization outside Spain to grant recognition, doing so in 1996. The UKC maintains detailed breed standards emphasizing the dog's hunting function and distinctive physical characteristics. The breed competes in the Gun Dog Group at UKC events. The UKC standard describes a hunting dog of good size with a well-developed head, pendulous ears, compact body, and solid legs. The ideal specimen is short-coated, square in proportion, calm and sedate in temperament, excellent at pointing on both fur and feather, and possessing a noble, soft expression.

According to the breed standard, males should stand 62-67 cm at the withers while females measure 58-63.5 cm. Most adults weigh between 55-88 pounds, with males typically heavier than females. The head is large and powerful with a moderately rectangular shape when viewed from above, narrowing progressively toward the nose without becoming pointed. The distinctive corkscrew ears, double dewlap, and abundant skin are important breed characteristics inherited from the breed's scenthound ancestors.

The coat must always be white and liver, with the liver being a rich reddish-brown color. Black coloring is a disqualification. Most specimens display heavy ticking on white areas, creating an attractive grizzled or roan appearance. The temperament should be calm, gentle, and willing, with excellent trainability and a soft, noble expression. Aggression or excessive shyness are considered serious faults.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not Recognized"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Gun Dog Group (1996)"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 7, Section 1.1"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not Recognized"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Not Recognized"

The Burgos Retriever presents an impressive physical appearance combining power, nobility, and functional hunting structure. This is a large, substantially built sporting dog standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder with males at the higher end of the range and females slightly smaller. Weight typically ranges from 55 to 88 pounds depending on sex and individual build. The overall impression is of a square, well-balanced dog with adequate substance for endurance work but not so heavy as to sacrifice agility and speed.

The breed's head is one of its most distinguishing features and essential to breed type. It is large, powerful, and moderately rectangular when viewed from above, with a well-developed skull and strong foreface. The skull is of medium length and relatively broad between the ears, with a moderately defined stop separating it from the muzzle. The muzzle itself is long, very broad, and square-shaped at the end, giving an impression of substantial strength. This broad, square muzzle is essential for carrying game effectively.

The nose is a defining feature, required to be dark brown, large, and wide with fully open nostrils. Black noses are disqualified, as is any partial or complete lack of pigmentation. The large, well-developed nose supports the breed's exceptional scenting abilities, which are crucial to their hunting function. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, with tight-fitting lids and minimal haw. Dark hazel coloring is preferred, contributing to the breed's characteristically soft, sometimes melancholic expression that contrasts appealingly with their working intensity.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the ears, which are large, long, triangular, and set at eye level. Without being drawn forward, they should reach the corner of the lips but not extend to the nose. At rest, the ears hang gracefully in a distinctive corkscrew fashion, soft and limp with fine skin and hair. This ear carriage is unique to the breed and highly valued. The breed also possesses a double dewlap starting from both corners of the lips, contributing to the abundance of skin that characterizes the breed and reflects its scenthound ancestry.

The neck is strong, powerful, and slightly arched, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. The shoulder blade and upper arm are moderately sloping and equal in length, providing efficient movement. The body shows a level topline with good length of rib, a deep and broad chest providing ample lung capacity, and strong loins. The chest depth reaches at least to the elbows, essential for endurance.

The limbs are straight, strong, and well-boned, built to cover varied terrain throughout long working days. Feet are compact with tight, well-arched toes and thick pads. The tail is typically of medium length with good substance at the base, carried with a slight curve but never over the back. Some countries practice tail docking, though this is increasingly uncommon.

The coat is short, dense, and somewhat bushy in texture with a smooth, flat lie. It feels slightly coarse to the touch but not harsh. The coloring is invariably white and liver, with the liver being a rich reddish-brown shade. Patterns vary from solid liver patches on white to extensively ticked coats that appear almost grizzled or roan. Many dogs feature a distinctive white blaze or spot on the forehead. Black coloring anywhere on the coat is a disqualification. The coat provides adequate protection from weather while remaining easy to maintain.

The Burgos Retriever traces its lineage back to at least the 1500s in the Castilian plateau of northern Spain, particularly in the provinces of Burgos, León, and Vitoria. The breed's exact ancestry remains somewhat mysterious due to limited historical documentation, but most experts agree that it descends from a combination of the Old Spanish Pointer (possibly the Pachón Navarro or Perdiguero Navarro) and Spanish scenthounds, particularly the Sabueso Español. This genetic foundation combined pointing instinct with exceptional scenting ability and created a versatile hunting dog capable of working on varied game.

During the Renaissance and throughout the colonial period, Spanish pointing dogs gained international recognition and were highly prized by European nobility. The ancestors of the Burgos Retriever were particularly valued for their methodical hunting style, excellent noses, and ability to work on both fur and feather. These dogs were exported throughout Europe and are believed to have contributed significantly to the development of other pointing breeds, including the Large French Pointer and possibly the German Shorthaired Pointer.

For centuries, the breed's primary purpose was hunting deer, which required a larger, stronger dog than those used for birds. The breed's size, stamina, and powerful build reflect this heritage. However, as hunting practices evolved and smaller game became the primary quarry, breeders began refining the breed. The goal was to create a lighter, more agile dog better suited to pointing and retrieving fast-moving game like partridge, quail, and hare while retaining the breed's excellent temperament and working abilities.

The formal association of the breed with Burgos appears in documentation after 1808. An inventory from the King's German Legion mentions dogs "called Perdigueros in Burgos," and the 1907 book "Geschichte der Königlich Deutschen Legion" describes large brown and white dogs from the Burgos area. However, it's important to note that various regional varieties of Spanish pointing dogs existed, each named for their locale. Some differed only in name while others showed distinct variations in size, coat, or working style.

The early 20th century brought the breed perilously close to extinction. The Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939 devastated dog breeding throughout Spain. The Burgos breed suffered additional losses when German soldiers stationed in Spain as part of the Condor Legion recognized the breed's quality and purchased many specimens for shipment to Germany. Eyewitness accounts describe planes being loaded with adult dogs and puppies. The post-war period saw continued decline as changing economics and the popularity of other breeds further reduced numbers.

The breed's rescue began in 1972 when veterinary geneticist José Manuel Sanz Timón decided to take action. He embarked on an intensive search throughout Castilla y León for remaining quality specimens that could serve as foundation stock for a revival program. He successfully located several excellent dogs and began a carefully planned breeding program. By the early 1980s, he had developed seven distinct bloodlines that formed the foundation of the modern breed.

In 1983, Sanz Timón and fellow breed enthusiasts formed the Asociación Española del Perro Perdiguero de Burgos (AEPPB) with the explicit goal of establishing rigorous breeding and testing standards. The organization implemented strict requirements for registration, including field testing to ensure breeding dogs maintained working abilities. Some breeders disagreed with these strict requirements, leading to the formation of a second club, the Club Español de Amigos del Perro Perdiguero De Burgos (CEAPPB), which took a different approach while sharing preservation goals.

Today's Burgos Retriever is smaller and more refined than its historical ancestors, a deliberate choice by Spanish breeders to create a dog more suited to modern hunting needs. Despite this refinement, the breed has retained all the qualities that made it valuable: exceptional scenting ability, methodical hunting style, calm temperament, excellent trainability, and versatility in both pointing and retrieving. The breed's popularity has grown steadily in Spain, and international recognition is increasing. The future looks bright for this ancient breed that successfully combines hunting excellence with wonderful companionship qualities.

The Burgos Retriever possesses one of the finest temperaments in the sporting dog world, combining gentle nature, intelligence, and strong working instincts in perfect harmony. This breed is renowned for being calm, sedate, and eminently trainable while maintaining the drive and stamina necessary for serious hunting work. Their temperament makes them exceptional both as working dogs and family companions, a combination that distinguishes them from many high-drive sporting breeds.

In the home, the Burgos Retriever displays remarkable calmness and composure. Unlike many sporting breeds that remain perpetually active indoors, these dogs possess an impressive ability to relax and settle when not engaged in work or exercise. They are deeply affectionate with family members, forming strong bonds and actively seeking companionship and physical closeness. This breed truly loves to be near their people, participating in daily household activities and enjoying the comfort of indoor living alongside their family.

Their devotion extends to all family members, though they often form an especially close bond with their primary handler. The breed's gentle nature and remarkable patience make them outstanding with children. They tolerate the noise, energy, and sometimes rough handling of youngsters with admirable grace, seeming to possess an innate understanding of how to interact appropriately with kids. Many families report that their Burgos Retriever becomes a devoted guardian and playmate for children, watching over them protectively while engaging in gentle play.

The breed's intelligence is immediately apparent to anyone who spends time with them. They are quick learners who grasp new commands rapidly and retain training exceptionally well. This cognitive ability extends beyond simple obedience to genuine problem-solving skills. In hunting situations, they demonstrate the ability to assess conditions, make independent decisions when appropriate, and adapt their behavior to changing circumstances. However, they always remain attentive and responsive to handler direction, showing the ideal balance between independence and cooperation.

With strangers, the Burgos Retriever tends to be reserved but polite. They are not naturally shy or fearful, nor are they overly effusive with unfamiliar people. Instead, they take a measured approach, observing and assessing new people before deciding how to engage. This cautious reserve should not be confused with unfriendliness; once they determine someone is trustworthy, they often warm up considerably. This temperament trait makes them excellent watchdogs who will alert to genuine concerns without being nuisance barkers.

Social skills with other dogs are generally excellent. The Burgos Retriever gets along well with other canines in both home and field settings. They are non-confrontational and possess good canine social intelligence, navigating relationships with other dogs smoothly. This makes them excellent candidates for multi-dog households and allows them to work cooperatively alongside other dogs when hunting.

In the field, the breed's personality transforms into focused working intensity while maintaining their characteristic steadiness. They are methodical, patient hunters who never rush their work. This systematic approach means they work thoroughly, rarely overrun their nose, and seldom lose a scent. Their hunting drive is strong but controllable, and they show impressive stamina, capable of working all day in varied terrain and weather conditions. They demonstrate solid pointing, excellent retrieve, and willingness to work in water, making them truly versatile hunting partners.

The Burgos Retriever can make a wonderful family companion for the right household, bringing loyalty, gentleness, and versatility to family life. However, prospective owners must understand that this is fundamentally a working sporting dog with substantial needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Families who embrace an active lifestyle and can appreciate the breed's hunting heritage will find a deeply rewarding companion.

This breed forms exceptionally strong bonds with family members and genuinely needs to be part of daily family life. They do not thrive when relegated to outdoor kennels or yards with minimal human interaction. The Burgos Retriever wants to be with their people, sharing in activities and enjoying the comforts of indoor living. Their calm indoor demeanor makes them pleasant housemates who contentedly relax on furniture (and they definitely appreciate comfortable spots) when not engaged in activity.

Housing considerations are important for this breed. While their indoor calmness means they can technically adapt to various living situations if exercise needs are met, apartment living is far from ideal. The Burgos Retriever needs access to outdoor space where they can run and explore safely. A home with a large, securely fenced yard provides ideal living conditions, as does a rural setting offering safe off-leash exercise opportunities. The breed's strong prey drive and excellent scenting ability mean secure fencing is essential, as they may be tempted to follow interesting scents if given the opportunity.

Exercise requirements cannot be overstated. This breed needs a minimum of one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily, and more is better. Simple neighborhood walks, while appreciated, are insufficient as the primary form of exercise. The Burgos Retriever needs opportunities to run, preferably in areas where they can safely move at speed and use their hunting instincts. Activities that combine physical exertion with mental engagement, such as field training, retrieval games, hiking, or swimming, provide ideal outlets for the breed's energy and drive.

An under-exercised Burgos Retriever can become frustrated, restless, and may develop problem behaviors. However, a dog receiving adequate physical and mental stimulation is calm, content, and a joy to live with, demonstrating the perfect balance between working ability and companionship qualities that makes the breed so special.

With children, the breed is exceptionally patient and gentle. They handle the chaos and energy of family life well and seem to have an innate understanding of how to interact appropriately with youngsters of all ages. They tolerate rough play with grace and often become devoted protectors and companions for children. Supervision is always important with any large dog and small children, and both should be taught appropriate interaction, but the Burgos Retriever's temperament makes them among the best sporting breeds for families with kids.

The breed's relationship with other household pets requires consideration. They generally coexist well with other dogs and often enjoy canine companionship. However, their hunting background means they possess a strong prey drive that can be triggered by small, fast-moving animals. Cats, rabbits, and other small pets may be viewed as prey unless the dog has been raised with them from puppyhood. Even with early socialization, supervision and management are prudent.

Training and socialization should begin early and continue throughout life. The breed's high intelligence and trainability make this process enjoyable, but consistency and positive methods are essential. Early exposure to various people, places, and situations helps develop confidence and appropriate social responses. Basic obedience training is important for household manners and safety, particularly teaching a reliable recall given the breed's tendency to follow interesting scents.

Training a Burgos Retriever is typically a highly rewarding experience thanks to the breed's exceptional intelligence, eagerness to please, and natural working instincts. These dogs rank among the most trainable of all sporting breeds, responding particularly well to positive reinforcement training methods. Their strong desire to work cooperatively with humans and their quick comprehension of commands make them outstanding students who retain lessons well.

Basic obedience training should commence as soon as a puppy enters the home. The Burgos Retriever generally picks up housetraining quickly, particularly when crate training is employed as part of the process. Essential commands including sit, stay, come, down, and heel should be established during puppyhood, forming the foundation for all subsequent training. The breed's natural responsiveness means they typically progress rapidly through basic obedience, though maintaining variety and keeping training purposeful helps sustain their engagement.

Socialization is equally crucial as obedience training. While not naturally aggressive or fearful, the breed benefits enormously from early and ongoing exposure to diverse people, animals, environments, and situations. This helps them develop into confident, well-adjusted adults capable of handling new experiences with appropriate responses. Puppy socialization classes are highly recommended, providing controlled settings for learning social skills with both humans and other dogs while beginning formal training under professional guidance.

For owners interested in hunting or field work, the Burgos Retriever's natural abilities are truly impressive. With minimal formal instruction, many dogs demonstrate natural pointing behaviors even from puppyhood. Proper field training helps refine these instincts and teaches the dog to work cooperatively with the handler. The breed excels in pointing, tracking, flushing, and retrieving various game, making them genuinely versatile hunting partners. They perform exceptionally well in versatile hunting dog tests like those offered by NAVHDA, where they can demonstrate their full range of capabilities.

The breed also excels in various dog sports and activities beyond hunting. Their intelligence and trainability make them well-suited for obedience competitions, rally, and tracking events. While not typically chosen for agility given their size and build, they can certainly participate if desired. Scent work and nose work sports are particularly well-matched to the breed's exceptional olfactory abilities and provide outstanding mental stimulation that satisfies their working instincts.

Exercise requirements for the Burgos Retriever are substantial and non-negotiable for a happy, healthy dog. This working breed was developed for long days covering extensive ground while hunting, and they retain this need for significant physical activity. A minimum of one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily is necessary, though more is beneficial. Simple neighborhood walks around the block, while appreciated as part of the routine, are completely insufficient as the primary exercise outlet.

Ideal exercise includes activities allowing the dog to run freely in safe, secure areas. Long hikes on trails, jogging, field work, swimming, and off-leash running in fenced areas all provide excellent outlets. The breed has remarkable endurance and can navigate any terrain with ease, from open fields to dense cover to water. They are natural swimmers who eagerly pursue game or retrieve items from water. For non-hunting owners, activities like fetch, long-distance retrieval games, and tracking exercises engage both body and mind effectively.

Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys, regular training sessions introducing new skills, and activities engaging their nose all contribute to a well-rounded exercise program. Scent games, hide-and-seek with toys or treats, and nose work training provide excellent mental engagement that tires the dog as effectively as physical activity. A mentally and physically satisfied Burgos Retriever is calm, content, and wonderful to live with.

Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, the breed can become frustrated and may develop unwanted behaviors including excessive barking, destructive chewing, or hyperactivity. However, a properly exercised Burgos Retriever displays the perfect balance of working ability and companionship, settling calmly indoors while being always ready for the next adventure.

The Burgos Retriever is generally a healthy, robust breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, which is excellent for a large dog. As with all breeds, however, they can be affected by certain health conditions that responsible breeders screen for and potential owners should understand. Awareness of these potential issues helps owners provide appropriate preventive care and identify problems early when they are most manageable.

Hip dysplasia is among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting large breed dogs, including the Burgos Retriever. This genetic condition results from improper development of the hip joints, causing the hips to partially dislocate and leading to painful arthritis over time. The condition's severity varies widely, from mild cases causing minimal discomfort to severe forms significantly impacting mobility and quality of life. Responsible breeders evaluate breeding stock using hip radiographs scored by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Maintaining healthy body weight and providing appropriate exercise helps manage the condition in affected dogs.

Hypothyroidism, caused by inflammation or dysfunction of the thyroid gland, occurs with some frequency in large breed dogs. This condition results from insufficient production of thyroid hormones and presents with various symptoms including hair loss and a dull, lifeless coat, unexplained weight gain despite normal caloric intake, reduced activity and energy levels, increased susceptibility to skin and ear infections, and behavioral changes. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed through blood work and highly manageable with daily oral thyroid hormone supplementation that allows affected dogs to live normal, healthy lives.

Bloat, formally known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a serious emergency condition that can affect deep-chested dogs like the Burgos Retriever. The stomach rapidly fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood supply and causing shock. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Risk factors include eating large meals quickly, vigorous exercise immediately before or after meals, elevated food bowls, and genetic predisposition. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals daily rather than one large meal, using slow-feeder bowls to discourage rapid eating, and restricting vigorous exercise for at least one hour before and two hours after meals.

Ear infections can be a concern due to the breed's long, pendulous ears creating a warm, moist environment favorable to bacterial and yeast growth. Regular ear cleaning with appropriate solutions and thorough drying after swimming or bathing help prevent infections from developing. Signs of ear problems include head shaking, scratching at ears, unpleasant odor, redness, or discharge. Early veterinary intervention prevents minor issues from progressing to chronic, difficult-to-treat infections.

Cherry eye, where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible as a red mass in the corner of the eye, can occasionally affect the breed. While not typically serious, it requires veterinary evaluation and may need surgical correction. Allergies, both environmental and food-related, can also occur, presenting as skin irritation, excessive scratching, licking, or gastrointestinal upset. These conditions are usually manageable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Regular veterinary care forms the foundation of maintaining a Burgos Retriever's health throughout their life. Annual or biannual wellness examinations allow veterinarians to monitor overall health, detect potential problems early, and ensure the dog remains in optimal condition. These visits should include thorough physical examinations and may include blood work screening for conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease, particularly as the dog ages.

Vaccinations administered according to veterinarian recommendations protect against serious diseases including distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Parasite prevention is essential year-round, including heartworm prevention since these parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause serious heart and lung disease if left untreated. Flea and tick prevention protects against disease transmission and discomfort caused by these external parasites.

Dental care through regular home teeth brushing and professional cleanings when necessary helps prevent periodontal disease that can affect overall health if left untreated. Weight management is crucial since obesity exacerbates many health problems, particularly orthopedic issues. The breed should maintain a lean, athletic build appropriate for an active sporting dog. Screening breeding stock for genetic health conditions helps reduce the incidence of inherited diseases in future generations and is a responsibility of ethical breeders.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Burgos Retriever's health and longevity.

One of the practical advantages of the Burgos Retriever is the breed's minimal grooming requirements. The short, dense coat is exceptionally easy to maintain, requiring only basic routine care to keep the dog looking and feeling their best. This low-maintenance aspect is particularly appealing to active owners who prefer spending time exercising and training their dog rather than engaged in extensive grooming sessions.

Regular brushing should be performed two to three times weekly using a firm bristle brush or rubber curry brush. This routine removes loose hair, distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat, and maintains the coat's healthy shine. The brushing process also provides an excellent opportunity to check the dog's body for any lumps, cuts, parasites, or other concerns. During spring and fall when shedding increases, daily brushing helps manage the additional hair loss and keeps the coat in optimal condition.

Following brushing sessions, a rub-down with a chamois cloth or soft towel gives the coat an attractive gleam and provides a pleasant bonding experience. Many dogs enjoy this grooming ritual and it takes only a few minutes to leave the coat looking polished and well-maintained. The short coat naturally repels much dirt and debris, though field work may require post-outing cleaning.

Bathing should be performed as needed, typically every few months or when the dog becomes particularly dirty from outdoor activities or hunting. Excessive bathing can strip natural oils from the skin and coat, so it's best to bathe only when genuinely necessary. After hunting trips or adventures in muddy conditions, thorough drying is important, particularly in cool weather, to prevent chilling. Often a quick rinse to remove mud or debris is sufficient rather than a complete bath with shampoo.

Ear care deserves special attention due to the breed's long, pendulous ears that hang close to the head. This ear structure creates a warm, moist environment that can harbor bacteria and yeast if not properly maintained, making ear infections a potential concern. Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned as needed using a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution. After swimming or any time in wet conditions, ears should be gently dried to prevent moisture accumulation. Watch for signs of problems including redness, unusual odor, discharge, or excessive head shaking and scratching.

Nail maintenance should be performed regularly, typically every two to four weeks depending on natural wear. Dogs who regularly run on hard surfaces may require less frequent trimming than those primarily on grass or soft ground. Overgrown nails can affect the dog's gait and cause discomfort, so maintaining appropriate nail length is important for mobility and comfort. Using proper technique or having a professional groomer or veterinarian handle nail trimming helps avoid accidentally cutting the quick.

Dental care is essential for overall health and longevity. Regular teeth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste helps prevent tartar buildup, maintains healthy gums, and prevents dental disease that can affect overall health. Daily brushing is ideal, though several times weekly is acceptable. Dental chews and appropriate chew toys supplement brushing by providing mechanical cleaning action on teeth. Professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian may be necessary periodically.

After field work or outdoor adventures, conducting a thorough body inspection is important. Check carefully for cuts, scratches, burrs, foxtails, ticks, or other parasites. Pay particular attention to feet and pads, checking between toes for foreign objects, cuts, or irritation. The breed's short coat makes visual inspection straightforward and allows problems to be identified quickly. Any wounds should be cleaned promptly and monitored for signs of infection.

If you're looking to adopt a Burgos Retriever, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Burgos Retrievers waiting for their forever homes.