Breed Comparison: Miniature Pinscher Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Miniature Pinscher Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Miniature Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Miniature Pinscher 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.

Miniature Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Miniature Pinscher Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 8 to 11 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1470 No Data
Price Range $825 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
    		•
  • 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Miniature Pinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Miniature Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers.

    Health Problems of Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher.

    3 health tests are recommended for Miniature Pinscher while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Miniature Pinscher Health Problems

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

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Pinschers 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: Miniature Pinscher versus Portuguese Pointer

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Pinschers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Miniature Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Miniature Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Pinscher vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Pinschers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Miniature Pinscher Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Miniature Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Miniature Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Schipperke.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus Skye Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Miniature Pinscher versus Doberman Pinscher     Miniature Pinscher versus Morkie     Miniature Pinscher versus Basset Hound     Miniature Pinscher versus Lakeland Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Doberman Pinscher     Miniature Pinscher versus Bernedoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Affenhuahua     Miniature Pinscher versus Collie     Miniature Pinscher versus Peek A Poo     Miniature Pinscher versus Briard     Miniature Pinscher versus Chi-Poo     Miniature Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Cesky Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Redbone Coonhound     Miniature Pinscher versus Border Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Akbash     Miniature Pinscher versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Miniature Pinscher versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Miniature Pinscher versus Black Russian Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Karelian Bear Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Miniature Pinscher versus Pomsky     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Vizsla     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Puli     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin     Portuguese Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji     Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Bordoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Azawakh     

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