Which is Better between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer and for the Portuguese Water Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Longhaired Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog

German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Longhaired 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.

On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Portuguese Water Dog
Life Span 11 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $3300
Average Price No Data $2860
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Longhaired Pointer 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 Water Dog. 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 the German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!

    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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • German Longhaired Pointers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog

    The German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

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

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Longhaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the German Longhaired Pointer and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     German Longhaired Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Longhaired Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cockapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pointer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chow Chow     German Longhaired Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Water Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Maltese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Papipoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Water Dog versus King Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Mudi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Portuguese Water Dog versus Akita     Portuguese Water Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bich Poo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Boerboel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shihpoo     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.