Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Pointer Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
- Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
- Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
- Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
- Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
- Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Scottish Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier?
- Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
- Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Scottish Terrier
- Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier?
- Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Scottish Terriers?
- Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Scottish Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Pointer Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier? 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 Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier.
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 Scottish Terrier.
Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier
| Factor | Portuguese Pointer | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 20 to 22 inches | Up to 10 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 | 18 to 22 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1398 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1750 |
| 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 Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Scottish Terrier is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get the Scottish Terrier!
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 Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier
The Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Scottish Terrier.
Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Scottish Terriers weigh 18 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Scottish Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Scottish Terriers is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Terriers is 12.0 years.
Portuguese Pointers live longer than Scottish Terriers.
Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier
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 Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Portuguese Pointer.
3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Scottish Terriers.
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.
Scottish Terrier Health Problems
Scottish Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Scottish Terriers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Scottish Terriers?
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Scottish Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?
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.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Scottish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Scottish Terrier
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Scottish Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Scottish Terriers 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 Scottish Terrier?
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Scottish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Scottish Terriers?
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Scottish Terrier?
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Scottish Terriers 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 Scottish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Pointer and how the Scottish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and of the Scottish Terrier to other breeds:
Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Puli Portuguese Pointer versus Pug Portuguese Pointer versus Whoodle Portuguese Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet Portuguese Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres Portuguese Pointer versus Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel Portuguese Pointer versus Briard Portuguese Pointer versus Bullmastiff Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear Portuguese Pointer versus Havanese Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd Portuguese Pointer versus Pomchi Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso
Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Scottish Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Scottish Terrier versus Bull Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Scottish Terrier versus Bearded Collie Scottish Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Scottish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer Scottish Terrier versus Cesky Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Scottish Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Scottish Terrier versus Saint Bernard Scottish Terrier versus Bullmastiff Scottish Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Scottish Terrier versus Border Collie Scottish Terrier versus Briard Scottish Terrier versus Chinese Crested Scottish Terrier versus Akita Chow Scottish Terrier versus Brittany Scottish Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Scottish Terrier versus Papillon Scottish Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer Scottish Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund Scottish Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Scottish Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Scottish Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier
Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.