Quick Links: Table of Contents
- English Springer Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of English Springer Spaniel versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer
- Which one drools more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Do English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are English Springer Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Is the English Springer Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the English Springer Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Springer Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
English Springer Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer
English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 inches tall at the | 20 to 22 inches |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 55 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1310 | No Data |
| Price Range | $950 – $1600 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
*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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel is 78 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 Springer Spaniel is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the English Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer
The English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.
English Springer Spaniels weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. English Springer Spaniels are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 10 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 Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel than for the Portuguese Pointer.
12 health tests are recommended for English Springer Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in English Springer Spaniels and in Portuguese Pointers.
English Springer Spaniel Health Problems
English Springer Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English Springer 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 Springer Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Springer 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.
Is the English Springer Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Tolerates Being Alone: English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer
English Springer Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer
English Springer Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
English Springer Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Do English Springer Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
English Springer Spaniels shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Do English Springer Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
English Springer Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can English Springer Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
English Springer Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Wanderlust Potential: English Springer Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer
English Springer 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.
Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
English Springer 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 Springer Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?
English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Is the English Springer Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer Spaniels are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Does the English Springer Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Springer 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 Springer 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the English Springer Spaniel and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the English Springer Spaniel and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
English Springer Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
English Springer Spaniel versus Azawakh English Springer Spaniel versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi English Springer Spaniel versus Mal Shi English Springer Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier English Springer Spaniel versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever English Springer Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier English Springer Spaniel versus Akbash English Springer Spaniel versus Affenpinscher English Springer Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog English Springer Spaniel versus Field Spaniel
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Hound Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Clumber Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo
Conclusion: English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.