Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chow Chow Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Chow Chow versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Chow Chows shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chow Chow
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Chow Chow Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer.
Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chow Chow is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Chow Chow belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Chow Chow | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1750 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2500 | 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Pointer is a better pet than the Chow Chow. So, you should get the Portuguese Pointer!
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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer
The Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer.
Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 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 Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows 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.
Chow Chows live longer than Portuguese Pointers.
Health Problems of Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chow Chow than for the Portuguese Pointer.
6 health tests are recommended for Chow Chow while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chow Chows and in Portuguese Pointers.
Chow Chow Health Problems
Chow Chows are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chows for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chow Chows 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: Chow Chow versus Portuguese Pointer
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Chow Chows shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Chow Chow Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Chow Chow vs. Portuguese Pointer
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Chow Chows good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
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Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Chow Chows and Portuguese Pointers?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Chow Chow Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chow Chow or the Portuguese Pointer?
Chow Chows 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 Chow Chow
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Chow Chow and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chow Chow and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Chow Chow Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chow Chow versus Chinook Chow Chow versus Bull Terrier Chow Chow versus Sussex Spaniel Chow Chow versus Belgian Malinois Chow Chow versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Chow Chow versus Dalmatian Chow Chow versus American Hairless Terrier Chow Chow versus Bernese Mountain Dog Chow Chow versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Chow Chow versus Whippet Chow Chow versus Whoodle Chow Chow versus Lowchen Chow Chow versus Collie Chow Chow versus Black Russian Terrier Chow Chow versus Great Pyrenees Chow Chow versus Carolina Dog Chow Chow versus Siberian Husky Chow Chow versus Dogo Argentino Chow Chow versus Xoloitzcuintli Chow Chow versus Canaan Dog Chow Chow versus Alaskan Malamute Chow Chow versus Neapolitan Mastiff Chow Chow versus Karelian Bear Dog Chow Chow versus Bull Terrier Chow Chow versus West Highland White Terrier
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Biewer Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie Portuguese Pointer versus Vizsla Portuguese Pointer versus Pug Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon Portuguese Pointer versus Bullmastiff
Conclusion: Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.