Differences and Similarities between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Portuguese Pointer

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Portuguese Pointers?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog

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

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Scottish Deerhound.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinook     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldador     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Beagle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltese     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus French Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinook     Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke     Portuguese Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin     Portuguese Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     

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