Differences and Similarities between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $400 – $1200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs German Shepherd Dog.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Afghan Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Berger Picard          American Pit Bull Terrier versus Havanese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomeranian     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bearded Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomeranian     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bearded Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boxer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Basset Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Akita     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenpinscher     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Akita     Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Rottweiler     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Dalmatian     Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.