Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Kuvasz Versus Pointer: Introduction
- Kuvasz versus Pointer: Overview
- Kuvasz versus Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kuvasz and the Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Pointer
- Lifespan of Kuvasz versus Pointer
- Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the Pointer
- Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Pointer
- The Intelligence of the Kuvasz versus the Intelligence of the Pointer
- The Popularity of Kuvasz versus Popularity of Pointer
- Health Problems of Kuvasz versus Health Problems of Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Kuvasz versus Pointer
- Do Kuvaszs shed more than Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Kuvasz or the Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Kuvasz or the Pointer?
- Does the Kuvasz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
- Do Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?
- Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Pointer
- Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kuvasz or the Pointer?
- Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Kuvaszs and Pointers?
- Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Kuvasz versus Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Kuvasz Versus Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kuvasz and the Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Kuvasz and the Pointer better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Kuvasz and the Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kuvasz and the Pointer is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Kuvasz and for the Pointer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Kuvasz and the Pointer.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kuvasz or the Pointer.
Kuvasz versus Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Kuvasz and the Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog while the Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Kuvasz belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
On the other hand, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Kuvasz versus Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Kuvasz to the Pointer based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Kuvasz and the Pointer
Factor | Kuvasz | Pointer |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Height | 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the |
Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 45 to 75 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
Average Price | $1630 | $1080 |
Price Range | $1438 – $1812 | $800 – $1300 |
Temperament Score | 78.4 percent | 90.0 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 161 | 115 |
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 42 | 43 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kuvasz in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Pointer. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Kuvasz is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pointer is 75 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pointer is a better pet than the Kuvasz. So, you should get the Pointer!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Kuvasz and the Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kuvasz and the Pointer
Below is a list of where the Kuvasz and the Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Pointer
The Kuvasz and the Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kuvasz and the Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kuvasz and the Pointer.
Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Kuvasz versus Pointer
The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
Pointers live longer than Kuvaszs.
Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the Pointer
The Pointer has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.
This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kuvasz and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 51 Kuvaszs and 20 Pointers.
Price of Kuvasz versus Price of Pointer
The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Kuvasz is more expensive than the Pointer.
Kuvasz | Pointer | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1630 | $1080 |
Price Range | $1438 to $1812 | $800 to $1300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Kuvasz and Pointer. For different price points, the charts show how many Kuvasz puppies or how many Pointer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Pointers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Kuvasz puppy or the Pointer puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Kuvasz versus the Intelligence of the Pointer
Kuvasz | Pointer | |
---|---|---|
Intelligence Rank | 42 out of 130 dog breeds | 43 out of 130 dog breeds |
Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Kuvasz has an obedience intelligence rank of 42 out of 130 dog breeds. The Kuvasz belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Kuvaszs tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pointer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pointers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Kuvasz is more intelligent than the Pointer.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Kuvasz versus Popularity of Pointer
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Kuvasz and the Pointer over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Kuvasz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Kuvasz is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Kuvasz
Popularity of Pointer
Year | Kuvasz Popularity Rank | Pointer Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 150 | 114 |
2014 | 161 | 119 |
2015 | 150 | 114 |
2016 | 165 | 117 |
2017 | 157 | 113 |
2018 | 163 | 114 |
2019 | 166 | 115 |
2020 | 177 | 116 |
Health Problems of Kuvasz versus Health Problems of Pointer
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Kuvasz and the Pointer are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Kuvasz than for the Pointer.
7 health tests are recommended for Kuvasz while 5 tests are recommended for the Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kuvaszs and in Pointers.
Kuvasz Health Problems
Kuvaszs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kuvasz puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Kuvasz puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kuvasz breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Kuvaszs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs here.
Pointer Health Problems
Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pointer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pointer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Kuvaszs and Pointers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Kuvasz Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Kuvasz ranks 7 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 434 Kuvaszs, 51 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Kuvaszs, and how common these diseases are in Kuvaszs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Kuvasz and in Pointer and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Kuvasz and the Pointer:
Disease | Kuvasz Rank | Pointer Rank |
---|---|---|
Thyroid problems | 7 out of 115 dog breeds | 44 out of 115 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 25 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
Hips problems | 52 out of 198 dog breeds | 137 out of 198 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 64 out of 144 dog breeds | 66 out of 144 dog breeds |
Patella problems | 124 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 17 out of 159 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Kuvasz versus Pointer
Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Kuvaszs shed more than Pointers?
Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pointers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Kuvasz or the Pointer
Kuvaszs drool moderately.
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Kuvasz or the Pointer?
Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Kuvasz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Pointers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?
Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Pointer
Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kuvasz or the Pointer?
Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Pointers?
Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Kuvaszs and Pointers?
Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Pointer?
Kuvaszs are not easy to train.
Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Kuvasz Better for Apartment Owners than the Pointer?
Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kuvasz or the Pointer?
Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kuvasz:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pointer that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pointer:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Kuvasz and how the Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kuvasz and of the Pointer to other breeds:
Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Kuvasz versus Leonberger Kuvasz versus Clumber Spaniel Kuvasz versus Boykin Spaniel Kuvasz versus Goldendoodle Kuvasz versus Mastiff Kuvasz versus Hovawart Kuvasz versus Dutch Shepherd Kuvasz versus German Longhaired Pointer Kuvasz versus Mountain Cur Kuvasz versus Irish Wolfhound Kuvasz versus Norwich Terrier Kuvasz versus Beagle Kuvasz versus Manchester Terrier Kuvasz versus Dogue de Bordeaux Kuvasz versus Miniature Poodle Kuvasz versus Australian Kelpie Kuvasz versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Kuvasz versus Boxerdoodle Kuvasz versus Belgian Malinois Kuvasz versus Akita Chow Kuvasz versus Chinese Shar-Pei Kuvasz versus Shichon Kuvasz versus Korean Jindo Dog Kuvasz versus Black Mouth Cur
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Bullmastiff Pointer versus Aussiedoodle Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Pointer versus Australian Terrier Pointer versus Mal Shi Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel Pointer versus Cavachon Pointer versus Morkie Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pointer versus Afghan Hound Pointer versus Maltipoo Pointer versus Whoodle Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer Pointer versus Harrier Pointer versus Affenhuahua Pointer versus Carolina Dog Pointer versus Cesky Terrier Pointer versus Ibizan Hound Pointer versus Cockalier
Conclusion: Kuvasz versus Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Kuvasz and the Pointer better suits you and your family.