Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Pointer Versus Pug: Introduction
- Portuguese Pointer versus Pug: Overview
- Portuguese Pointer versus Pug: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
- Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
- Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Pug
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
- Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Pugs?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug?
- Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
- Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Pug
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug?
- Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Pugs?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Pugs?
- Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Pug?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Pug. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Pointer Versus Pug: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug? 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 Pug 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 Pug.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug 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 Pug. 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 Pug.
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 Pug.
Portuguese Pointer versus Pug: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Pug is a small-sized dog.
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 Pug 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.
Portuguese Pointer versus Pug: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Pug 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 Pug
| Factor | Portuguese Pointer | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches | 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 59 pounds | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $1875 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1620 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pug is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Pug!
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 Pug 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 Pug
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug
The Portuguese Pointer and the Pug are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pug.
Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.
Pugs live longer than Portuguese Pointers.
Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Pug
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 Pug 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 Pug is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pug than for the Portuguese Pointer.
3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 7 tests are recommended for the Pug.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Pugs.
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.
Pug Health Problems
Pugs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pug 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 Pug puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pug 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 Pugs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Pug
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Pugs do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Pugs?
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Pugs are very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
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.
Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pugs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Pug
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Pugs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug?
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Pugs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Pugs?
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pugs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Pugs?
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Pug?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Pugs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pug?
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pugs are very good 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 Pug
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pug 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 Pug:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Pointer and how the Pug compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and of the Pug to other breeds:
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin Portuguese Pointer versus Gordon Setter Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland Portuguese Pointer versus Samoyed Portuguese Pointer versus Afghan Hound Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz Portuguese Pointer versus American Water Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz Portuguese Pointer versus American Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke Portuguese Pointer versus American Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Cockalier Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Azawakh Portuguese Pointer versus English Setter Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute
Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pug versus Bouvier des Flandres Pug versus Dalmatian Pug versus Standard Poodle Pug versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Pug versus Bolognese Pug versus Pyredoodle Pug versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pug versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pug versus Chow Chow Pug versus Skye Terrier Pug versus Carolina Dog Pug versus English Cocker Spaniel Pug versus Estrela Mountain Dog Pug versus Cavapoo Pug versus Airedale Terrier Pug versus Fila Brasileiro Pug versus Catahoula Bulldog Pug versus Shiba Inu Pug versus Carolina Dog Pug versus Irish Setter Pug versus Boxer Pug versus Mountain Cur Pug versus Black and Tan Coonhound Pug versus Kerry Blue Terrier Pug versus Coton de Tulear
Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Pug. 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 Pug better suits you and your family.