Differences and Similarities between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham 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 Sealyham 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 Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier.

Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview

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

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier

Factor Portuguese Pointer Sealyham Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 22 to 24 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
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 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
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 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 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
    		•
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens 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 Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sealyham Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sealyham Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Sealyham Terriers do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham Terrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sealyham 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, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Sealyham 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 Sealyham 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 Portuguese Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Pointer than for the Sealyham Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Sealyham 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:

  • 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.

    Sealyham Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Sealyham 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 Sealyham 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.

    Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Sealyham Terrier

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

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

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sealyham Terrier?

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

    Sealyham Terriers are very good 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 Sealyham Terrier vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Sealyham Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Sealyham Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier:

  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Bolognese     Portuguese Pointer versus Keeshond     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Schipperke     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Pointer versus Border Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Chin     Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     Portuguese Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     Portuguese Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sealyham Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Sealyham Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Sealyham Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Sealyham Terrier versus Akita     Sealyham Terrier versus Papipoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Sealyham Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sealyham Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Sealyham Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Sealyham Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Sealyham Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Sealyham Terrier versus Frenchton     Sealyham Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Sealyham Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Sealyham Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sealyham Terrier versus Cavapoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Sealyham Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sealyham Terrier versus Pomapoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Sealyham Terrier versus Whippet     Sealyham Terrier versus Maltipoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Sealyham 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 Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.