English Setter versus Portuguese Pointer. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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English Setter Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter 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 Setter 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 Setter 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 Setter or the Portuguese Pointer

English Setter versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the English Setter 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 Setter versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter 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 Setter Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1020 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • 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 Setter 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 Setter is 74 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 Setter is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the English Setter!

    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 Setter 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 Setter and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • English Setters 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.
  • English Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter 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 Setter and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

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

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

    English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Setter 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 Setter 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 Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for English Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    English Setter Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Setters 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.

    Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Portuguese Pointer

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Portuguese Pointer

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Setters 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 Setters shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    English Setters shed moderately.

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

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

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    English Setters 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.

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    English Setters 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 Setters and Portuguese Pointers?

    English Setters 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 Setter or the Portuguese Pointer?

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    English Setters 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. Portuguese Pointer

    English Setters 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Setter

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

  • Irish Setter (83 percent match with English Setter). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     English Setter versus Brittany     English Setter versus Leonberger     English Setter versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     English Setter versus Golden Cocker Retriever     English Setter versus Spinone Italiano     English Setter versus Standard Schnauzer     English Setter versus Doberman Pinscher     English Setter versus Harrier     English Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     

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