A Detailed Comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Portuguese Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 15 to 17 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 15 to 21 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 4/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 25 to 30 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 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
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 2/5
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 16.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pyrenean Shepherd is not better or worse than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you can get the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer!

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

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

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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:

  • American Bulldog (79 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Pomsky.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Dalmatian     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Irish Setter     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Pointer versus American Foxhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Hovawart     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Papipoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akbash     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rottweiler     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita Chow     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Poodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Finnish Spitz     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.