Differences and Similarities between the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Hovawart Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Portuguese Pointer.

Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Hovawart Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
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
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 20 to 22 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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 Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Portuguese Pointer

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Portuguese Pointers?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Spanish Mastiff.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Pomeranian     Hovawart versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Collie     Hovawart versus Cockapoo     Hovawart versus Korean Jindo Dog     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus Shichon     Hovawart versus Briard     Hovawart versus Norwegian Buhund     Hovawart versus Spanish Mastiff     Hovawart versus Kai Ken     Hovawart versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Hovawart versus Ibizan Hound     Hovawart versus English Springer Spaniel     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Hovawart versus American Hairless Terrier     Hovawart versus German Longhaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Hovawart versus Maltipoo     Hovawart versus Chorkie     Hovawart versus Irish Terrier     Hovawart versus Pyredoodle     Hovawart versus Kishu Ken     Hovawart versus Chinook     Hovawart versus Welsh Terrier     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Bullmastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed     Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Hovawart     Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinook     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.