Differences and Similarities between the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer.

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Norwich Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norwich 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.

Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Norwich Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Weight Up to 12 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2140 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2650 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwich Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Norwich Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Norwich Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwich Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up 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 Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers.

    Health Problems of Norwich 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 Norwich 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Norwich Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwich Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Norwich Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwich 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:

  • 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: Norwich Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwich Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwich Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwich Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwich Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwich Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwich 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 Norwich Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Norwich Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norwich Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Norwich Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norwich Terriers 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 Norwich Terrier

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

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Lowchen.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Norwich Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Norwich Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Norwich Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Norwich Terrier versus Cockalier     Norwich Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Norwich Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Norwich Terrier versus Goldador     Norwich Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Norwich Terrier versus Cane Corso     Norwich Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Norwich Terrier versus Basset Hound     Norwich Terrier versus Maltipoo     Norwich Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Norwich Terrier versus Cockapoo     Norwich Terrier versus French Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Norwich Terrier versus Chow Chow     Norwich Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Kai Ken     Norwich Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Norwich Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie     Portuguese Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Mountain Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     Portuguese Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     

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