Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Golden Cocker Retriever belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 20 to 22 inches
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Golden Cocker Retriever!

    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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer

    The Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 to 24 inches 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 Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers 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.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Field Spaniel.

    • 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 Golden Cocker Retriever vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Golden Cocker Retriever and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kishu Ken     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kuvasz     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Akita     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bernedoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Basenji     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldendoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Puli     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black Russian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chihuahua     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Hairless Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dalmatian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Morkie     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Portuguese Pointer versus Leonberger     Portuguese Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie     Portuguese Pointer versus English Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Leonberger     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     

    Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.