Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Wirehaired Pointers and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the German Wirehaired Pointer 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.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer
Factor | German Wirehaired Pointer | Portuguese Pointer |
---|---|---|
Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the | 20 to 22 inches |
Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
Average Price | $990 | No Data |
Price Range | $800 – $1200 | 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 Wirehaired 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 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 Wirehaired Pointer is 74 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 Wirehaired Pointer is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the German Wirehaired Pointer!
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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer.
German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Wirehaired Pointer than for the Portuguese Pointer.
6 health tests are recommended for German Wirehaired Pointer while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Wirehaired Pointers and in Portuguese Pointers.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Problems
German Wirehaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Wirehaired 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 German Wirehaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Wirehaired 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 German Wirehaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired 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.
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 Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Portuguese Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers and Portuguese Pointers?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Portuguese Pointer?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer:
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 Wirehaired Pointer and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Japanese Chin German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken German Wirehaired Pointer versus Chorkie German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees German Wirehaired Pointer versus Chow Chow German Wirehaired Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kuvasz German Wirehaired Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle German Wirehaired Pointer versus Akita German Wirehaired Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher German Wirehaired Pointer versus French Spaniel German Wirehaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo German Wirehaired Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon German Wirehaired Pointer versus Beagle German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kuvasz German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Papipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Portuguese Pointer versus Pomchi Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi Portuguese Pointer versus Bearded Collie Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus English Setter Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute Portuguese Pointer versus Hovawart Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Poodle Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso Portuguese Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier
Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.