A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Setter Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer 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.

Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Irish Setter Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1680 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•
  • 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Irish Setters 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.
  • Irish Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Health Problems of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Irish Setter.

    3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Irish Setter Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters 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: Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Portuguese Pointer

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Portuguese Pointers?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Border Collie     Irish Setter versus Bichon Frise     Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Setter versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Irish Setter versus Pointer     Irish Setter versus Plott     Irish Setter versus Boxer     Irish Setter versus English Setter     Irish Setter versus Saluki     Irish Setter versus Cockalier     Irish Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Akita Chow     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Dutch Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Carolina Dog     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Barbet     Irish Setter versus Pomsky     Irish Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Setter versus Saluki     Irish Setter versus Leonberger     Irish Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Cavapoo     Irish Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Border Collie     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Portuguese Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Keeshond     Portuguese Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bolognese     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     Portuguese Pointer versus Mountain Cur     

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