Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Wolfhound Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Wolfhound Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer.
Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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 Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer
Factor | Irish Wolfhound | Portuguese Pointer |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 115 to 180 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 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 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 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 |
Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Life Span | 6 to 8 years | 12 to 14 years |
Average Lifespan | 7.0 years | 13.0 years |
Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
Price Range | $1500 – $2400 | No Data |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 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 Wolfhound is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!
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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer
The Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer.
Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 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 Irish Wolfhounds.
Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Wolfhound than for the Portuguese Pointer.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Wolfhound while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Wolfhounds and in Portuguese Pointers.
Irish Wolfhound Health Problems
Irish Wolfhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Wolfhounds 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: Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer
Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer
Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Portuguese Pointer
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Portuguese Pointers?
Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound or the Portuguese Pointer?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound:
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 Wolfhound and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhound versus Akbash Irish Wolfhound versus English Toy Spaniel Irish Wolfhound versus English Cocker Spaniel Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Sheepdog Irish Wolfhound versus Sloughi Irish Wolfhound versus Pomapoo Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Sheepdog Irish Wolfhound versus Finnish Spitz Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog Irish Wolfhound versus Norfolk Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Shiloh Shepherd Irish Wolfhound versus Puggle Irish Wolfhound versus Norwich Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus American Staffordshire Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Norwich Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Bernese Mountain Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Giant Schnauzer Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Cattle Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Harrier Irish Wolfhound versus West Highland White Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Great Pyrenees Irish Wolfhound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Dachshund Irish Wolfhound versus American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Papipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow Portuguese Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Bolognese Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Chi-Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Boerboel Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo Portuguese Pointer versus Komondor Portuguese Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken Portuguese Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane
Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.