Differences and Similarities between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.

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English Cocker Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

English Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

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

English Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English 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.

Factor English Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 inches tall at the s 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 26 to 34 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1500 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•
  • 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 English 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 a English Cocker Spaniel is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

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

  • English Cocker Spaniels are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • English Cocker Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Cocker Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels weigh 26 to 34 pounds when fully grown. English Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 5 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.

    Health Problems of English 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. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the English 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 English Cocker Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • BAER Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of MO Adult Onset Neuropathy
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

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

    English Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    English 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.

    Do English Cocker Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    English Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

    English Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Do English Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    English Cocker Spaniels 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Cocker Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer

    English 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.

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

    English Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    English 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 English Cocker Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?

    English Cocker Spaniels 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 English Cocker Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    English Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    English 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Cocker Spaniel

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

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavachon.
  • Norwich Terrier (81 percent match with English Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Norwich 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 English Cocker Spaniel vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the English Cocker Spaniel vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Cocker Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     English Cocker Spaniel versus Australian Terrier     English Cocker Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     English Cocker Spaniel versus Chorkie     English Cocker Spaniel versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     English Cocker Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     English Cocker Spaniel versus Havanese     English Cocker Spaniel versus Cavachon     English Cocker Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     English Cocker Spaniel versus Border Terrier     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bloodhound     

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