Which is Better between the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer? A Very Detailed Review.

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Komondor Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Komondor Portuguese Pointer
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $840 No Data
Price Range $550 – $800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Portuguese Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors 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.
  • Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 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 Komondors.

    Health Problems of Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Komondor Health Problems

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

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors 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: Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Portuguese Pointer

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Komondors 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Boerboel     Komondor versus Akita     Komondor versus Irish Water Spaniel     Komondor versus Skye Terrier     Komondor versus Irish Setter     Komondor versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Komondor versus Lakeland Terrier     Komondor versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Komondor versus Dachshund     Komondor versus Peek A Poo     Komondor versus Bichon Frise     Komondor versus Affenhuahua     Komondor versus Norwich Terrier     Komondor versus Barbet     Komondor versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Komondor versus Labradoodle     Komondor versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Komondor versus Lowchen     Komondor versus Korean Jindo Dog     Komondor versus Rottweiler     Komondor versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Komondor versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Komondor versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Komondor versus Puli     Komondor versus Xoloitzcuintli     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Akbash     Portuguese Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus French Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Akita Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Mountain Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Barbet     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Kooikerhondje     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogo Argentino     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     

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