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

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Pomeranian Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pomeranian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Pomeranian Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Weight 3 to 7 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Height 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2150 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Pomeranians 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.
  • Pomeranians adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pomeranians are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Pomeranians 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.
  • Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

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

    Pomeranians weigh 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Pomeranians are 7 to 12 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 Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Pomeranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Pomeranians is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Pomeranians live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

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

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Pomeranian Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

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

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians and Portuguese Pointers?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian

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

  • Pomapoo (81 percent match with Pomeranian). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Pomapoo.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pomeranian versus Frenchton     Pomeranian versus Sheepadoodle     Pomeranian versus Afghan Hound     Pomeranian versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pomeranian versus Pomsky     Pomeranian versus Norwich Terrier     Pomeranian versus Cavapoo     Pomeranian versus Lhasa Apso     Pomeranian versus Shiba Inu     Pomeranian versus Kishu Ken     Pomeranian versus West Highland White Terrier     Pomeranian versus Cocker Spaniel     Pomeranian versus American Water Spaniel     Pomeranian versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pomeranian versus Schipperke     Pomeranian versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pomeranian versus Irish Setter     Pomeranian versus Samoyed     Pomeranian versus Labrador Retriever     Pomeranian versus Havanese     Pomeranian versus Bull Terrier     Pomeranian versus Basenji     Pomeranian versus Lowchen     Pomeranian versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pomeranian versus Belgian Malinois     

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Azawakh     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Papipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Havanese     Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Pointer versus Lowchen     Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke     Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon     Portuguese Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Vizsla     Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     

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