Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Collie versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Collies shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Collie versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie or the Portuguese Pointer.
Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Collie 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.
Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Collie | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | 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 Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Collie!
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 Collie 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 Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
The Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Portuguese Pointer.
Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies 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 Collies.
Health Problems of Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Collie than for the Portuguese Pointer.
4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Collies and in Portuguese Pointers.
Collie Health Problems
Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Collie 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 Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Collie 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 Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies 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: Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
Collies do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Collies shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Collies 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 Collie or the Portuguese Pointer
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Portuguese Pointer
Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies 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 Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Collies 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 Collies and Portuguese Pointers?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Collies 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 Collie
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Collie 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 Collie:
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 Collie and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Collie and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
Collie versus Havanese Collie versus English Setter Collie versus Bulldog Collie versus Komondor Collie versus Australian Cattle Dog Collie versus American Water Spaniel Collie versus Affenhuahua Collie versus Chinese Crested Collie versus Silky Terrier Collie versus Golden Cocker Retriever Collie versus Doberman Pinscher Collie versus Plott Collie versus German Pinscher Collie versus Bluetick Coonhound Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier Collie versus English Springer Spaniel Collie versus Leonberger Collie versus King Shepherd Collie versus Bullmastiff Collie versus Chi-Poo Collie versus Pomeranian Collie versus Alaskan Klee Kai Collie versus Newfoundland Collie versus Kuvasz Collie versus Miniature Pinscher
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Komondor Portuguese Pointer versus Plott Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Pointer versus Brussels Griffon Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin Portuguese Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Collie Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Portuguese Pointer versus Saluki Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer
Conclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.