Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Portuguese Pointer

Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 20 to 22 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1270 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1400 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Portuguese Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Portuguese Pointers?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Portuguese Pointer

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Boerboel.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Kai Ken     Fila Brasileiro versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Fila Brasileiro versus Whoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Fila Brasileiro versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Fila Brasileiro versus Brussels Griffon     Fila Brasileiro versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Cairn Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Silky Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Kelpie     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogo Argentino     Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Akita Chow     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.