Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer

Dutch Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Portuguese Pointer
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
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
Height 21 to 25 inches 20 to 22 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1590 No Data
Price Range $900 – $2000 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
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Portuguese Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Japanese Spitz.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Pekingese     Dutch Shepherd versus Frenchton     Dutch Shepherd versus Pug     Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Shih Tzu     Dutch Shepherd versus Bernedoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     

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