Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer.
German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog 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.
German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 20 to 22 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog is 77 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 Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the German Shepherd 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 Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
The German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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 Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
Portuguese Pointers live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.
Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shepherd Dog than for the Portuguese Pointer.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shepherd Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shepherd Dogs and in Portuguese Pointers.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Portuguese Pointer
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs and Portuguese Pointers?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Dog:
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 Shepherd Dog and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Chihuahua German Shepherd Dog versus American Foxhound German Shepherd Dog versus Spinone Italiano German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Kelpie German Shepherd Dog versus Pointer German Shepherd Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Saint Bernard German Shepherd Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Leonberger German Shepherd Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Collie German Shepherd Dog versus Pyredoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Goldendoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Lhasa Apso German Shepherd Dog versus Afghan Hound German Shepherd Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus Pyredoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd German Shepherd Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Pug Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie Portuguese Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu Portuguese Pointer versus Ibizan Hound Portuguese Pointer versus Whoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Portuguese Pointer versus Affenhuahua Portuguese Pointer versus Dalmatian Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei Portuguese Pointer versus Barbet Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.