Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pointer Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
- Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
- Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
- Lifespan of Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
- Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Sealyham Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier
- The Popularity of Pointer versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
- Health Problems of Pointer versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
- Do Pointers shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Do Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Sealyham Terrier
- Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Pointers and Sealyham Terriers?
- Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pointer Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier? 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Pointer and for the Sealyham Terrier. 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier.
Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the 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.
On the other hand, the Sealyham 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.
Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pointer to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier
| Factor | Pointer | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 75 pounds | 22 to 24 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1080 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 115 | 157 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 43 | 56 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pointer 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sealyham Terrier is a better pet than the Pointer. So, you should get the Sealyham 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier
Below is a list of where the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier
The Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier.
Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.
Pointers live longer than Sealyham Terriers.
Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier has a better temperament than the Pointer.
This is because the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 20 Pointers and 1 Sealyham Terriers.
The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Sealyham Terrier
| Pointer | Sealyham Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 43 out of 130 dog breeds | 56 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pointer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pointers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Sealyham Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Sealyham Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Sealyham Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Pointer is more intelligent than the Sealyham Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Pointer versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Sealyham Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pointer
Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
| Year | Pointer Popularity Rank | Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 114 | 158 |
| 2014 | 119 | 169 |
| 2015 | 114 | 158 |
| 2016 | 117 | 155 |
| 2017 | 113 | 150 |
| 2018 | 114 | 164 |
| 2019 | 115 | 154 |
| 2020 | 116 | 148 |
Health Problems of Pointer versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pointer than for the Sealyham Terrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pointers and in Sealyham Terriers.
Pointer Health Problems
Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing 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 Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your 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 Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.
Sealyham Terrier Health Problems
Sealyham Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pointers and Sealyham Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Sealyham Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Sealyham Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pointer and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier:
| Disease | Pointer Rank | Sealyham Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 17 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 44 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 66 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 137 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 4 out of 17 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Pointers shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
Pointers shed moderately.
Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
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.
Sealyham 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.
Do Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Sealyham Terrier
Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Sealyham Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Sealyham Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pointers and Sealyham Terriers?
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
Pointers are very easy to train.
Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Sealyham Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the 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 Pointer:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pointer and how the Sealyham Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pointer and of the Sealyham Terrier to other breeds:
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Peek A Poo Pointer versus Mal Shi Pointer versus Barbet Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff Pointer versus Cavachon Pointer versus Plott Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute Pointer versus Whippet Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux Pointer versus Shihpoo Pointer versus Basset Hound Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog Pointer versus Affenhuahua Pointer versus Border Terrier Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Pointer versus Stabyhoun
Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sealyham Terrier versus Dogo Argentino Sealyham Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Sealyham Terrier versus Shiba Inu Sealyham Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer Sealyham Terrier versus Plott Sealyham Terrier versus Sheepadoodle Sealyham Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Sealyham Terrier versus Akbash Sealyham Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Sealyham Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Airedale Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Ibizan Hound Sealyham Terrier versus Canaan Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer Sealyham Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Sealyham Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur Sealyham Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Bullmastiff Sealyham Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Sealyham Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Biewer Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Shiranian Sealyham Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier
Conclusion: Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier. 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 Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.