Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Cockalier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Cockalier Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 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
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1370 No Data
Price Range $938 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Cockaliers 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.
  • Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cockaliers are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 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.

    Lifespan of Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers 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.

    Cockaliers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockalier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cockalier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Cockaliers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Cockalier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • 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 Cockalier vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Keeshond     Cockalier versus American Eskimo Dog     Cockalier versus Golden Retriever     Cockalier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cockalier versus Boston Terrier     Cockalier versus Greyhound     Cockalier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cockalier versus Boerboel     Cockalier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Cockalier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Cockalier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Cockalier versus Peek A Poo     Cockalier versus Shihpoo     Cockalier versus Boykin Spaniel     Cockalier versus Italian Greyhound     Cockalier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Cockalier versus Morkie     Cockalier versus Scottish Terrier     Cockalier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cockalier versus English Springer Spaniel     Cockalier versus Peek A Poo     Cockalier versus Patterdale Terrier     Cockalier versus Australian Kelpie     Cockalier versus Kai Ken     Cockalier versus Labrador Retriever     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Papipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     Portuguese Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Clumber Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Bloodhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Terrier     

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