A Detailed Comparison of the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Field Spaniel Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Field 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 Field 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 Field 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 Field Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer

Field Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

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

Field Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Field 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 Field 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, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 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
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Weight 37 to 45 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $4640 No Data
Price Range $2900 – $5000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • 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 Field 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 Field Spaniel is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Field Spaniel is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Field 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 Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Field 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 Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Field Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

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

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

    Field Spaniels weigh 37 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Field Spaniels are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 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 Field 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 Field 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 Field Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Field Spaniel while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Field Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend testing at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Is the Field Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Field Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer

    Field Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Field Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer

    Field Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Field Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Field Spaniels 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.

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

    Field Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Field Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Do Field Spaniels shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Field Spaniels shed moderately.

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

    Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Field Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Field Spaniel or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Field Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Field Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Field 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.

    Are Field Spaniels good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Field 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 Field Spaniels and Portuguese Pointers?

    Field Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Field Spaniel Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Field Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Field Spaniel vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Field 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Field Spaniel

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (83 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (84 percent match with Field Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs 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:

  • American Bulldog (79 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Field Spaniel vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Field Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Field Spaniel versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Field Spaniel versus Puggle     Field Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Field Spaniel versus Bernedoodle     Field Spaniel versus Boston Terrier     Field Spaniel versus Shiranian     Field Spaniel versus Frenchton     Field Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Field Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Field Spaniel versus Chinook     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Brittany     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin     

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