Breed Comparison: Cocker Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Cocker Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer 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.

Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1760 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

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

  • Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
  • Cocker 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.
  • Cocker Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels 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.

    Cocker Spaniels live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Cocker Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cocker Spaniels and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Cocker Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer

    Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cocker Spaniels 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.

    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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Cocker Spaniel.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Cocker Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cocker Spaniel versus Spinone Italiano     Cocker Spaniel versus Whippet     Cocker Spaniel versus Collie     Cocker Spaniel versus Komondor     Cocker Spaniel versus Kishu Ken     Cocker Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Cocker Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Cocker Spaniel versus Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Chi-Poo     Cocker Spaniel versus Korean Jindo Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Miniature Poodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Azawakh     Cocker Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Cocker Spaniel versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cocker Spaniel versus Saluki     Cocker Spaniel versus Boykin Spaniel     Cocker Spaniel versus Shiloh Shepherd     Cocker Spaniel versus Basenji     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Bordoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Leonberger     Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard     Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow     

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