Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Pointer Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Pointer Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Portuguese Pointer | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1250 – $1900 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1620 |
| 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Portuguese Pointers live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Portuguese Pointer.
3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Pointer and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Chi-Poo Portuguese Pointer versus Collie Portuguese Pointer versus Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Pointer versus Papillon Portuguese Pointer versus Mastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo Portuguese Pointer versus Chinook Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Portuguese Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland Portuguese Pointer versus Lowchen Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Eskimo Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bull Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pharaoh Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lhasa Apso Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomchi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Puggle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavachon Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bichon Frise Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Vizsla Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Silky Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Havanese Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinook Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Water Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sealyham Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mal Shi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus French Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Brussels Griffon
Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.