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

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Mountain Cur Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Mountain Cur 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.

Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mountain Cur 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 Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Mountain Cur Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Height 16 to 26 inches 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
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
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $550 No Data
Price Range $350 – $800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Mountain Cur 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 Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Mountain Cur 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 Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Mountain Curs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Portuguese Pointers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • The Similarities Between the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Mountain Curs weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Mountain Curs are 16 to 26 inches 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 Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Mountain Curs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Mountain Curs is 13.0 years.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mountain Curs shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Mountain Curs 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 Mountain Cur or the Portuguese Pointer

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mountain Cur or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mountain Cur Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Mountain Curs 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 Mountain Curs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mountain Cur vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Mountain Curs 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 Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mountain Cur or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mountain Curs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Mountain Curs 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 Mountain Curs and Portuguese Pointers?

    Mountain Curs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Mountain Cur Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Mountain Cur Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Mountain Curs 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 Mountain Cur

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (80 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • 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 Mountain Cur vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Affenhuahua     Mountain Cur versus Collie     Mountain Cur versus Chihuahua     Mountain Cur versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Scottish Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mountain Cur versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mountain Cur versus Puli     Mountain Cur versus Italian Greyhound     Mountain Cur versus Canaan Dog     Mountain Cur versus Dachshund     Mountain Cur versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Shiranian     Mountain Cur versus Airedale Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Great Pyrenees     Mountain Cur versus American Water Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Pomsky     Mountain Cur versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Mountain Cur versus Kuvasz     Mountain Cur versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mountain Cur versus Bedlington Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Field Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Beaglier     Mountain Cur versus Bichon Frise     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed     Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke     Portuguese Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Komondor     Portuguese Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     

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