Breed Comparison: American Water Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer

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American Water Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer.

American Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer 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 Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor American Water Spaniel Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • 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 American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel is 71 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 American Water Spaniel. 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 American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • American Water Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.

    American Water Spaniels weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. American Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s 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 Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of American Water Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Water Spaniels is 13.5 years.

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

    American Water Spaniels live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of American Water Spaniel 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 American Water Spaniel 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the American Water Spaniel.

    3 health tests are recommended for American Water Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Water Spaniels and in Portuguese Pointers.

    American Water Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination- Biennial exams until age 6 (every two years).
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Water Spaniels 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: American Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    American Water Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Water Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    American Water Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer

    American Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels 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.

    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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    American Water Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Water Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Water Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer

    American Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    American Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?

    American Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the American Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Water Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    American Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:

  • Border Collie (74 percent match with American Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Border Collie.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    American Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Water Spaniel versus Sheepadoodle     American Water Spaniel versus Clumber Spaniel     American Water Spaniel versus Keeshond     American Water Spaniel versus Greyhound     American Water Spaniel versus Labradoodle     American Water Spaniel versus Norwich Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Welsh Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Shih Tzu     American Water Spaniel versus Gordon Setter     American Water Spaniel versus Pomeranian     American Water Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     American Water Spaniel versus Kai Ken     American Water Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     American Water Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     American Water Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     American Water Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     American Water Spaniel versus Plott     American Water Spaniel versus Yorkipoo     American Water Spaniel versus Alaskan Malamute     American Water Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     American Water Spaniel versus Borzoi     American Water Spaniel versus Standard Poodle     American Water Spaniel versus Cockalier     American Water Spaniel versus Saint Bernard     American Water Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     Portuguese Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     Portuguese Pointer versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Portuguese Pointer versus Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier     

    Conclusion: American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.