Bracco Italiano or Portuguese Pointer? Which One to Get?

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Bracco Italiano Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano or the Portuguese Pointer

Bracco Italiano versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Bracco Italiano 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.

Bracco Italiano versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano 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.

Factor Bracco Italiano Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bracco Italiano 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 a Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Bracco Italianos get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Bracco Italiano versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 inches 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.

    Health Problems of Bracco Italiano versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Bracco Italiano while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos 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.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Portuguese Pointer

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Bracco Italianos 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bracco Italiano versus Portuguese Pointer

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bracco Italianos 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.

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

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

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Bracco Italianos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    How Kid-friendly are Bracco Italianos and Portuguese Pointers?

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Bracco Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bracco Italiano or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Bracco Italianos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bracco Italiano

    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 Bracco Italiano vs American Bulldog.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Bracco Italiano vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano:

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Bracco Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (80 percent match with Bracco Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Bracco Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bracco Italiano versus Carolina Dog     Bracco Italiano versus Fila Brasileiro     Bracco Italiano versus Mountain Cur     Bracco Italiano versus Bearded Collie     Bracco Italiano versus Toy Fox Terrier     Bracco Italiano versus Lhasa Apso     Bracco Italiano versus Aussiedoodle     Bracco Italiano versus French Bulldog     Bracco Italiano versus Spinone Italiano     Bracco Italiano versus Miniature Schnauzer     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus English Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     

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