Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.
Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Irish Terrier!
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 Terrier 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 Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
The Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.
Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
Irish Terriers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Terriers 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 Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Terriers 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 Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Terriers 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 Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier:
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 Irish Terrier and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier Irish Terrier versus Kishu Ken Irish Terrier versus Chihuahua Irish Terrier versus Morkie Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Irish Terrier versus Mudi Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Irish Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Irish Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Irish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz Irish Terrier versus Skye Terrier Irish Terrier versus Brittany Irish Terrier versus Gordon Setter Irish Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Irish Terrier versus Boxer Irish Terrier versus Berger Picard Irish Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Irish Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund Irish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Irish Terrier versus Belgian Malinois Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur Irish Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Irish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Pug Portuguese Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Setter Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard Portuguese Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Bullmastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Poodle Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever
Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.