Breed Comparison: Japanese Chin Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Japanese Chin Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Portuguese Pointer.

Japanese Chin versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Japanese Chin belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Japanese Chin versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Japanese Chin Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2100 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:

  • Japanese Chins do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Japanese Chins are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Japanese Chins adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Portuguese Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer.

    Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 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 Japanese Chins.

    Health Problems of Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Japanese Chin than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Portuguese Pointers.

    Japanese Chin Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins 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: Japanese Chin versus Portuguese Pointer

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Chins shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Portuguese Pointer

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Japanese Chins do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Portuguese Pointers?

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:

  • Pomapoo (77 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Japanese Chin). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Peek A Poo.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Chin versus Whippet     Japanese Chin versus French Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Norwegian Lundehund     Japanese Chin versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Chin versus French Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Japanese Chin versus Maremma Sheepdog     Japanese Chin versus Xoloitzcuintli     Japanese Chin versus Beagle     Japanese Chin versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Japanese Chin versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Norwegian Buhund     Japanese Chin versus Pomsky     Japanese Chin versus Redbone Coonhound     Japanese Chin versus English Springer Spaniel     Japanese Chin versus Brittany     Japanese Chin versus Briard     Japanese Chin versus Bolognese     Japanese Chin versus Lancashire Heeler     Japanese Chin versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Chin versus Pyredoodle     Japanese Chin versus German Pinscher     Japanese Chin versus Bichon Frise     Japanese Chin versus American Hairless Terrier     Japanese Chin versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Havanese     Portuguese Pointer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Saluki     Portuguese Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Mountain Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier     

    Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.