Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Glen of Imaal Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Weight Up to 35 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Glen of Imaal Terrier!

    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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

    The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers weigh Up to 35 pounds when fully grown. Glen of Imaal Terriers are 12 to 14 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Glen of Imaal Terrier than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    4 health tests are recommended for Glen of Imaal Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Glen of Imaal Terriers and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Health Problems

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers for:

  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Glen of Imaal Terriers 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Glen of Imaal Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Glen of Imaal Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Glen of Imaal Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier:

  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Australian Terrier.
  • Silky Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Silky Terrier.
  • 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Glen of Imaal Terrier and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Cavapoo     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Mal Shi     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Collie     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Pekingese     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Schnoodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Brittany     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Clumber Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pug     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     

    Conclusion: Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.