Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Weight 13 to 18 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2440 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $3000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles 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.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are 12 to 13 inches 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 12.0 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles 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: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavachon.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cockalier.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Australian Cattle Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sloughi     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Dutch Shepherd     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sealyham Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kishu Ken     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kai Ken     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Chihuahua     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Puli     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Sussex Spaniel     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Papillon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Norwegian Buhund     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Akita     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Puli     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     Portuguese Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bordoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer     Portuguese Pointer versus Keeshond     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.