Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norfolk Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Norfolk Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norfolk Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer.
Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Norfolk Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Norfolk Terrier | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 12 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 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 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2500 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2500 – $2500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Norfolk Terrier!
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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer
The Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.
Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
Norfolk Terriers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.
Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Portuguese Pointer.
5 health tests are recommended for Norfolk Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norfolk Terriers and in Portuguese Pointers.
Norfolk Terrier Health Problems
Norfolk Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Norfolk Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer
Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?
Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norfolk Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?
Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norfolk Terrier and how the Portuguese Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and of the Portuguese Pointer to other breeds:
Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff Norfolk Terrier versus Silky Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Shihpoo Norfolk Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Norfolk Terrier versus Whippet Norfolk Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer Norfolk Terrier versus Boston Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Skye Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Boxer Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Poodle Norfolk Terrier versus Akbash Norfolk Terrier versus Boerboel Norfolk Terrier versus Cavapoo Norfolk Terrier versus Cavapoo Norfolk Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Norfolk Terrier versus Pomeranian Norfolk Terrier versus Ibizan Hound Norfolk Terrier versus Shiranian Norfolk Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Norfolk Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Norfolk Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Norfolk Terrier versus Italian Greyhound
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Lowchen Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Kooikerhondje Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai Portuguese Pointer versus Afador Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Shiranian Portuguese Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Pointer versus Plott Portuguese Pointer versus French Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Affenpinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei
Conclusion: Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.