A Detailed Comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Jack Russell Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Jack Russell 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1100 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1250 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 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 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier:

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Welsh 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:

  • American Bulldog (79 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus English Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dalmatian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Keeshond     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus French Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Beagle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Vizsla     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chow Chow     Jack Russell Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Jack Russell Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Basenji     Jack Russell Terrier versus Azawakh     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Bullmastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Puggle     Portuguese Pointer versus Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Dalmatian     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     Portuguese Pointer versus Borzoi     

    Conclusion: Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.