Breed Comparison: Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1150 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Flat-Coated Retriever!

    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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer

    The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    3 health tests are recommended for Flat-Coated Retriever while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Flat-Coated Retrievers and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Health Problems

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

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

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Flat-Coated Retriever and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Portuguese Water Dog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Standard Poodle     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Morkie     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bloodhound     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Plott     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Vizsla     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chi-Poo     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinook     Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Rottweiler     Portuguese Pointer versus Akita     Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.