Which is Better between the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer? A Very Detailed Review.

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Norwegian Buhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Norwegian Buhund Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 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 Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds 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.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Norwegian Buhund Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds 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: Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Portuguese Pointer

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Portuguese Pointer?

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds and Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Pyredoodle.
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Aussiedoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Shih Tzu     Norwegian Buhund versus Stabyhoun     Norwegian Buhund versus Manchester Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Setter     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Carolina Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Weimaraner     Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi     Norwegian Buhund versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus West Highland White Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Chi-Poo     Norwegian Buhund versus Bullmastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Border Collie     Norwegian Buhund versus King Shepherd     Norwegian Buhund versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Finnish Spitz     Norwegian Buhund versus Chow Chow     Norwegian Buhund versus Goldendoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Leonberger     Norwegian Buhund versus Hovawart     Norwegian Buhund versus Great Pyrenees     Norwegian Buhund versus Italian Greyhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Basenji     Norwegian Buhund versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Whoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Saluki     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon     Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomchi     Portuguese Pointer versus Westiepoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     

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