Is the Kuvasz Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Kuvasz Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Kuvasz 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.

Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Kuvasz Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 70 to 115 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1630 No Data
Price Range $1438 – $1812 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is 66 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Kuvaszs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Portuguese Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Portuguese Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kuvasz and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 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 Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Kuvaszs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs.

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

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

    7 health tests are recommended for Kuvasz while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Kuvasz Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs 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: Kuvasz versus Portuguese Pointer

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kuvaszs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Portuguese Pointer

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kuvasz vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Kuvaszs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvaszs and Portuguese Pointers?

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Kuvasz Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Kuvaszs 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 Kuvasz

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

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Kuvasz vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Bulldog     Kuvasz versus Azawakh     Kuvasz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kuvasz versus Redbone Coonhound     Kuvasz versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Kuvasz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Kuvasz versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Kuvasz versus Sloughi     Kuvasz versus Saint Bernard     Kuvasz versus Great Dane     Kuvasz versus Beagle     Kuvasz versus Bedlington Terrier     Kuvasz versus Puli     Kuvasz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kuvasz versus Pug     Kuvasz versus Puli     Kuvasz versus Vizsla     Kuvasz versus Sloughi     Kuvasz versus Basset Hound     Kuvasz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Kuvasz versus Norwegian Buhund     Kuvasz versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Kuvasz versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kuvasz versus Doberman Pinscher     Kuvasz versus Pekingese     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus American Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Puggle     Portuguese Pointer versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard     Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Havanese     Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     Portuguese Pointer versus Bearded Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Plott     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     

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