A Detailed Comparison of the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Finnish Lapphund Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Portuguese Pointer

Finnish Lapphund versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Lapphund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Finnish Lapphund versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 53 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
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
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

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

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Finnish Lapphund than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    6 health tests are recommended for Finnish Lapphund while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Finnish Lapphunds and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Finnish Lapphund Health Problems

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

  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

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

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Portuguese Pointer

    Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Portuguese Pointer

    Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.

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

    Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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: Finnish Lapphund vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Finnish Lapphunds 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.

    Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds and Portuguese Pointers?

    Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund:

  • American Eskimo Dog (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs American Eskimo Dog.
  • Bearded Collie (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bearded Collie.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (80 percent match with Finnish Lapphund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Jack Russell 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 Finnish Lapphund vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Lapphund vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Lapphund versus Black Russian Terrier     Finnish Lapphund versus Hovawart     Finnish Lapphund versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Finnish Lapphund versus Shetland Sheepdog     Finnish Lapphund versus Basenji     Finnish Lapphund versus Schipperke     Finnish Lapphund versus Komondor     Finnish Lapphund versus English Springer Spaniel     Finnish Lapphund versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Finnish Lapphund versus Estrela Mountain Dog     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Border Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     Portuguese Pointer versus American Foxhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Vizsla     

    Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.