Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Pinscher Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do German Pinschers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Pinscher Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer? 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 Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer.
German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the German Pinscher 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.
German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Pinscher 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | German Pinscher | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2040 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1150 – $2688 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher 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 the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the German Pinscher!
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 Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer
The German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer.
German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers 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.
Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Pinscher than for the Portuguese Pointer.
4 health tests are recommended for German Pinscher while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Pinschers and in Portuguese Pointers.
German Pinscher Health Problems
German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher 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 German Pinschers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer
German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Pinschers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
German Pinschers shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer
German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers 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.
Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Portuguese Pointer
German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers and Portuguese Pointers?
German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher 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 Pinscher:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Pinscher and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Pinscher and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Pinscher versus Golden Retriever German Pinscher versus Belgian Tervuren German Pinscher versus Lowchen German Pinscher versus Catahoula Bulldog German Pinscher versus Silky Terrier German Pinscher versus Skye Terrier German Pinscher versus Welsh Terrier German Pinscher versus Sealyham Terrier German Pinscher versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever German Pinscher versus Akbash German Pinscher versus Weimaraner German Pinscher versus Kerry Blue Terrier German Pinscher versus Rhodesian Ridgeback German Pinscher versus Afghan Hound German Pinscher versus Brittany German Pinscher versus Norwegian Buhund German Pinscher versus Tibetan Terrier German Pinscher versus Finnish Lapphund German Pinscher versus Akita Chow German Pinscher versus Berger Picard German Pinscher versus Clumber Spaniel German Pinscher versus Lancashire Heeler German Pinscher versus Norwegian Buhund German Pinscher versus Puggle
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Kooikerhondje Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Mudi Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux Portuguese Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Portuguese Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus King Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Rottweiler Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow Portuguese Pointer versus Collie Portuguese Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund
Conclusion: German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.