Is the Borzoi Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Borzoi Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi or the Portuguese Pointer.

Borzoi versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Borzoi is a giant-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Borzoi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Borzoi versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Borzoi Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Height 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Weight 55 to 105 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1560 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

    • Borzois 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.
    • Borzois adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Borzois 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 Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer

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

    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Borzoi versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Borzois weigh 55 to 105 pounds when fully grown. Borzois are 26 to 32 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 Borzoi versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Borzois is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Borzois is 11.0 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 Borzois.

    Health Problems of Borzoi 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 Borzoi 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 Borzoi is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Borzoi while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Borzoi Health Problems

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

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

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Borzois 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: Borzoi versus Portuguese Pointer

    Borzois do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Borzois shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Borzois 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 Borzoi or the Portuguese Pointer

    Borzois do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Borzoi or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Borzois are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Borzoi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Borzois 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 Borzois Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Can Borzois Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Borzois can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Borzoi vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Borzois 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 Borzois Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Borzois 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 Borzoi or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Borzois get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Borzois good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Borzois 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 Borzois and Portuguese Pointers?

    Borzois get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Borzoi Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Borzois are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Borzoi Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Borzois adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Borzois are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Borzoi 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 Borzoi and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.