Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Pointer Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Pointer Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Pointer and for the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Portuguese Pointer | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 59 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $3300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2860 |
| 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Portuguese Pointers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Portuguese Pointer.
3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Pointer and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasa Apso Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur Portuguese Pointer versus Rottweiler Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed Portuguese Pointer versus Manchester Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Saluki Portuguese Pointer versus Komondor Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed Portuguese Pointer versus American Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomchi Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavachon Portuguese Water Dog versus Papillon Portuguese Water Dog versus Aussiedoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Berger Picard Portuguese Water Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Water Dog versus Dachshund Portuguese Water Dog versus Bearded Collie Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso Portuguese Water Dog versus Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Bullmastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Valley Bulldog Portuguese Water Dog versus Great Dane Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Kelpie Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Pointer Portuguese Water Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkipoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Kooikerhondje Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Boston Terrier
Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.