Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bulldog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Bulldog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Bulldogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Bulldogs and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Conclusion: Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bulldog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer.
Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bulldog is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bulldog belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Bulldog | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 10.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $4220 | No Data |
| Price Range | $3000 – $4500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bulldog 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 Bulldog is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bulldog is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Bulldog!
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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
- Bulldogs are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer
The Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
- Both the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer.
Bulldogs weigh 40 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Bulldogs are 12 to 15 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 Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bulldogs is 10.0 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 Bulldogs.
Health Problems of Bulldog 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bulldog than for the Portuguese Pointer.
10 health tests are recommended for Bulldog while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bulldogs and in Portuguese Pointers.
Bulldog Health Problems
Bulldogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bulldog 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 Bulldog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bulldog 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 Bulldogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bulldogs 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bulldog versus Portuguese Pointer
Bulldogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Bulldogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Bulldogs shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer
Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Portuguese Pointer
Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs and Portuguese Pointers?
Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bulldog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.