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

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Lowchen Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lowchen 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.

Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Lowchen Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2870 No Data
Price Range $1642 – $4500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Lowchens are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Lowchens adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 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 Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.

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

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

    Lowchen Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens 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: Lowchen versus Portuguese Pointer

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Portuguese Pointer

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchen or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens and Portuguese Pointers?

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens 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 Lowchen

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Lowchen vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Puggle     Lowchen versus Harrier     Lowchen versus Shiba Inu     Lowchen versus Lhasapoo     Lowchen versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Bernedoodle     Lowchen versus Tibetan Mastiff     Lowchen versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lowchen versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lowchen versus Cocker Spaniel     Lowchen versus Mastiff     Lowchen versus Bich Poo     Lowchen versus Australian Kelpie     Lowchen versus Sussex Spaniel     Lowchen versus Kai Ken     Lowchen versus Saluki     Lowchen versus Basenji     Lowchen versus Papipoo     Lowchen versus Fila Brasileiro     Lowchen versus Border Terrier     Lowchen versus American Foxhound     Lowchen versus Puli     Lowchen versus Labrador Retriever     Lowchen versus Skye Terrier     Lowchen versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Mudi     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier     Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bloodhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenpinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bordoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

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