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

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Lancashire Heeler Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Lancashire Heeler Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $200 No Data
Price Range $200 – $200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 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 Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 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 Lancashire Heelers.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers 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: Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Portuguese Pointer

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lancashire Heeler or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lancashire Heeler Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). 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 Lancashire Heeler vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Bluetick Coonhound     Lancashire Heeler versus Boston Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Chinook     Lancashire Heeler versus English Springer Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Labradoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Chorkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Harrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Akita Chow     Lancashire Heeler versus Plott     Lancashire Heeler versus Belgian Malinois     Lancashire Heeler versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Bracco Italiano     Lancashire Heeler versus Spanish Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Keeshond     Lancashire Heeler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus King Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Keeshond     Lancashire Heeler versus Great Dane     Lancashire Heeler versus Dutch Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Cesky Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Pug     Lancashire Heeler versus Patterdale Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Affenpinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Puggle     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bloodhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Havanese     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel     

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