Differences and Similarities between the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Canaan Dog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Canaan Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Canaan Dog Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $600 No Data
Price Range $600 – $600 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • 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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Canaan Dogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 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 Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan Dogs 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.

    Canaan Dogs live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

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

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Canaan Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Canaan Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Canaan Dogs 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: Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Pointer

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog or the Portuguese Pointer

    Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dogs and Portuguese Pointers?

    Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog:

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dutch Shepherd.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Canaan Dog versus American Foxhound     Canaan Dog versus Pomeranian     Canaan Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Canaan Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Canaan Dog versus Weimaraner     Canaan Dog versus Borzoi     Canaan Dog versus Bloodhound     Canaan Dog versus Saint Bernard     Canaan Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Canaan Dog versus Goldendoodle     Canaan Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Canaan Dog versus Komondor     Canaan Dog versus Pharaoh Hound     Canaan Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Canaan Dog versus Pomsky     Canaan Dog versus Morkie     Canaan Dog versus Borzoi     Canaan Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Canaan Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Canaan Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Canaan Dog versus Afghan Hound     Canaan Dog versus French Bulldog     Canaan Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Canaan Dog versus Akita Chow     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus French Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Portuguese Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     

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