Which dog breed is better for perdiz hunting in Argentina?

Both are excellent, but the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is generally preferred by premium lodges because they work closer to the hunters, ensuring a comfortable walking pace and excellent retrieving.

How far away do English Pointers hunt?

English Pointers are bred to run fast and cover massive amounts of ground. They will frequently range 100 to 200 yards ahead of the hunters, requiring you to walk further to reach the point.

Will the pointing dogs retrieve the birds I shoot?

Yes. GSPs are excellent retrievers and will bring the downed perdiz directly back to the handler (perdicero), saving the hunters from having to search through the thick grass.

English Pointers vs GSP: Comparing the Argentine Upland Dogs

Senior Field Editor

Roxy Gonzalez

Published: June 17, 2026

Executing the perfect midday perdiz walk forces outfitter kennels to choose between two fundamentally different canine athletes: the wide-ranging, blistering speed of the English Pointer and the methodical, versatile tracking of the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP).

The Wide Cast vs The Close Work

Both breeds are elite, statuesque pointing dogs, but their hunting styles are engineered for different terrains. The English Pointer is a purebred running machine. They are designed to cover massive amounts of ground at a full sprint. In the vast, flat, low-density natural pastures of the Argentine pampas, an English Pointer is spectacular. They will cast 200 yards ahead of the hunters, locate the subtle scent of a Spotted Tinamou (*perdiz*), and lock into a rigid point, waiting patiently for the hunters to walk up. The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), conversely, is a closer-working continental breed. They typically quarter the field 40 to 60 yards in front of the hunters. They do not run as fast as the English Pointer, but they are incredibly thorough, pushing their noses deep into the thick, wet alfalfa to root out hiding birds.

Canine BreedPacing and RangeOptimal Terrain ApplicationEnglish PointerBlistering speed; wide casts (100-200 yards).Vast, open, low-density winter pastures; covering maximum ground.German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)Methodical trot; close casts (40-60 yards).Dense, wet, knee-high alfalfa fields; highly structured teamwork.

The Estancia Kennel Strategy

While the English Pointer is beautiful to watch, elite operations like AWS Lodge heavily favor the German Shorthaired Pointer for international corporate clients. The logistical reality is that a wide-ranging English Pointer requires the hunters to walk significantly faster and further to reach the point. The closer-working GSP keeps the action tight, allowing older hunters or those fatigued from the morning duck hunt to maintain a relaxed, comfortable walking pace. Furthermore, the GSP is a highly versatile retriever. If a perdiz drops into a thick, thorny *espinillo* bush, the GSP will willingly dive into the heavy cover to retrieve the bird to the handler's hand, a task that many purebred English Pointers refuse to execute.

Tactical Field Note: Regardless of the breed, you must trust the dog's nose. If a GSP locks onto a point in a completely bare patch of dirt, do not assume they made a mistake. The perdiz relies on absolute camouflage and can vanish into a small depression in the soil. Walk up to the dog prepared to shoot.

Internal Connections

See a deep dive into the preferred breed in German Shorthaired Pointers: The Kings of the Argentine Pampas.
Understand the handler who controls them via What is a Perdicero? The Argentine Dog Handler Explained.
Read about the terrain that dictates the dog choice in Alfalfa vs Natural Pastures: Reading Perdiz Habitat.

Legal & Regulatory Note Hunting regulations in Argentina are established and enforced at the provincial level and may change by season, species, area, quota, weather conditions, land access, and administrative resolution. Any reference to hunting availability, seasons, bag limits, pest-control species, firearms, ammunition, transportation, or export of birds should be understood as general destination information only. Hunters must always confirm current provincial regulations, licenses, permits, firearm requirements, landowner authorization, outfitter compliance, and transport/export restrictions before booking or participating in any hunt.