A Detailed Comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard.

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 Saint Bernard.

Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard: Overview

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

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor Portuguese Pointer Saint Bernard
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 8 to 10 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
    		•

    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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saint Bernard is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Saint Bernard!

    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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are most different:

  • Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Saint Bernards get along well with other dogs.
  • Portuguese Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Saint Bernards do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Saint Bernard.

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

    On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard

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

    The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Portuguese Pointers live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Saint Bernard than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Saint Bernards.

    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.

    Saint Bernard Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Saint Bernard

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Saint Bernard?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    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.

    Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Saint Bernard?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Saint Bernard?

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

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Spinone Italiano.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Bolognese     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie     Portuguese Pointer versus Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinese Crested     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Pug     Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Puli     Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Portuguese Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Bernedoodle     Saint Bernard versus Mountain Cur     Saint Bernard versus Dogo Argentino     Saint Bernard versus Finnish Lapphund     Saint Bernard versus Chinook     Saint Bernard versus Chinese Crested     Saint Bernard versus Papillon     Saint Bernard versus Fila Brasileiro     Saint Bernard versus Azawakh     Saint Bernard versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Miniature Pinscher     Saint Bernard versus Italian Greyhound     Saint Bernard versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Saint Bernard versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Boxerdoodle     Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Stabyhoun     Saint Bernard versus Shiba Inu     Saint Bernard versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Valley Bulldog     Saint Bernard versus Brittany     Saint Bernard versus Berger Picard     Saint Bernard versus Saint Berdoodle     Saint Bernard versus German Longhaired Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Papipoo     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.