A Detailed Comparison of the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Airedale Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and for the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.

Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Portuguese 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.

Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Airedale Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $950 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Pointer is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

    The Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Portuguese Pointers live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Portuguese Pointer Health Problems

    Portuguese Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Portuguese 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 Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Springer Spaniel.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese 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 Portuguese Pointer:

  • American Bulldog (79 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Airedale Terrier and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Airedale Terrier and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Airedale Terrier versus Scottish Terrier          Airedale Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Afador     Airedale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Airedale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Airedale Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Weimaraner     Airedale Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Airedale Terrier versus Brittany     Airedale Terrier versus Newfoundland     Airedale Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Airedale Terrier versus Vizsla     Airedale Terrier versus Havanese     Airedale Terrier versus Harrier     Airedale Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Airedale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Airedale Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Airedale Terrier versus King Shepherd     Airedale Terrier versus Plott     Airedale Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomchi     Portuguese Pointer versus Saluki     Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Dalmatian     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi     Portuguese Pointer versus Azawakh     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus American Foxhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Vizsla     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese 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 Airedale Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.