Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 7 to 9 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 85 to 140 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1750 – $3000 | 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs weigh 85 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are 23 to 28 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is between 7 to 9 years. The average lifespan of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is 8.0 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Health Problems of Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog than for the Portuguese Pointer.
4 health tests are recommended for Greater Swiss Mountain Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and in Portuguese Pointers.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Problems
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Greater Swiss Mountain 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: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Portuguese Pointer
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs. Portuguese Pointer
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Portuguese Pointers?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?
Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Miniature Pinscher Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Maltipoo Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Bull Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Frenchton Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Siberian Husky Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Barbet Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kai Ken Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus French Spaniel Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Dutch Shepherd Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Puggle Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Peek A Poo Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Irish Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Mastiff Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Akita Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Japanese Spitz Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Berger Picard Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Mal Shi Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Chinese Crested Greater Swiss Mountain Dog versus Pomchi
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Cockapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Brittany Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Hovawart Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais
Conclusion: Greater Swiss Mountain 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.