Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Pointer Versus Puli: Introduction
- Portuguese Pointer versus Puli: Overview
- Portuguese Pointer versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
- Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
- Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
- Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli?
- Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Puli
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli?
- Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Pulis?
- Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Pointer Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Portuguese Pointer versus Puli: Overview
Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli are similar in size. The Portuguese Pointer and the Puli 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 Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Portuguese Pointer versus Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Portuguese Pointer | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 59 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1875 – $2750 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2250 |
| 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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli 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 Puli
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli
The Portuguese Pointer and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Puli.
Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Portuguese Pointers live longer than Pulis.
Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Portuguese Pointer.
3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Puli
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Pulis?
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Puli
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pulis 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 Puli?
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Pulis?
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Puli?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Puli?
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pulis are not the best dogs 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Pointer and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and of the Puli to other breeds:
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke Portuguese Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano Portuguese Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound Portuguese Pointer versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Bich Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Dogo Argentino Portuguese Pointer versus Shichon Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Azawakh Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound Portuguese Pointer versus Mal Shi Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Affenpinscher Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren Portuguese Pointer versus Dogo Argentino
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Affenhuahua Puli versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Puli versus Italian Greyhound Puli versus Shihpoo Puli versus Berger Picard Puli versus Great Dane Puli versus Weimaraner Puli versus Schnoodle Puli versus Boxer Puli versus Irish Wolfhound Puli versus Siberian Husky Puli versus Cockapoo Puli versus Siberian Husky Puli versus Maltipoo Puli versus Barbet Puli versus Flat-Coated Retriever Puli versus Neapolitan Mastiff Puli versus Stabyhoun Puli versus Maremma Sheepdog Puli versus Havanese Puli versus Komondor Puli versus Azawakh Puli versus Bernese Mountain Dog Puli versus Golden Retriever Puli versus Briard
Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.