Breed Comparison: Newfoundland Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Newfoundland Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Newfoundland versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Newfoundland 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.

Newfoundland versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Newfoundland Portuguese Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Weight 100 to 150 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho 20 to 22 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Life Span 8 to 10 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 9.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2160 No Data
Price Range $1875 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
    		•
  • 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Newfoundland!

    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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Newfoundlands have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Portuguese Pointers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Newfoundlands do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Newfoundland and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Newfoundland versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho 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 Newfoundland versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 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 Newfoundlands.

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

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Newfoundland while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Newfoundland Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Newfoundlands 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: Newfoundland versus Portuguese Pointer

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Newfoundlands shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland or the Portuguese Pointer

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Newfoundlands require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Newfoundland vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Newfoundlands good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundlands and Portuguese Pointers?

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

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

    Is the Newfoundland Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Newfoundlands 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 Newfoundland

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

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bernese Mountain 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 Newfoundland vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Lhasapoo     Newfoundland versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Newfoundland versus Japanese Chin     Newfoundland versus Stabyhoun     Newfoundland versus Lancashire Heeler     Newfoundland versus American Foxhound     Newfoundland versus Belgian Tervuren     Newfoundland versus Hovawart     Newfoundland versus Bolognese     Newfoundland versus Cavachon     Newfoundland versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Carolina Dog     Newfoundland versus Pomeranian     Newfoundland versus Harrier     Newfoundland versus Doberman Pinscher     Newfoundland versus Westiepoo     Newfoundland versus Kooikerhondje     Newfoundland versus Pointer     Newfoundland versus Karelian Bear Dog     Newfoundland versus Saint Berdoodle     Newfoundland versus Border Terrier     Newfoundland versus Samoyed     Newfoundland versus Australian Shepherd     Newfoundland versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Newfoundland versus English Toy Spaniel     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogo Argentino     Portuguese Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Airedale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Brittany     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Akita Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese     Portuguese Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon     

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