Breed Comparison: Portuguese Pointer Versus Shih Tzu

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.

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 Shih Tzu.

Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu

Factor Portuguese Pointer Shih Tzu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1820
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu

    Below is a list of where the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are very easy to train.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shih Tzu.

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

    On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu

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

    The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shih Tzu

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shih Tzu?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    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.

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Shih Tzu

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

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shih Tzu?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shih Tzu?

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

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Patterdale Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Pug     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Whoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi     Portuguese Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Silky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Westiepoo     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Boxer     Shih Tzu versus Bracco Italiano     Shih Tzu versus Clumber Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Komondor     Shih Tzu versus Papipoo     Shih Tzu versus Azawakh     Shih Tzu versus Lhasapoo     Shih Tzu versus Borzoi     Shih Tzu versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shih Tzu versus Morkie     Shih Tzu versus Irish Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Pug     Shih Tzu versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Welsh Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Barbet     Shih Tzu versus Airedale Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shih Tzu versus Beaglier     Shih Tzu versus Pharaoh Hound     Shih Tzu versus American Water Spaniel     Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky     Shih Tzu versus Sealyham Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Shih Tzu versus Shiranian     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Pointer versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.