Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

Factor Portuguese Pointer Shihpoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 13 to 17 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
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 4/5
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 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
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 Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shihpoo

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo

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

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

    On the other hand, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo

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

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shihpoo

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shihpoo?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shihpoo?

    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.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos?

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

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

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shihpoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shihpoo?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Brittany     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Kai Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Pointer versus Cane Corso     Portuguese Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Shihpoo versus Norwich Terrier     Shihpoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Shiba Inu     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Norwich Terrier     Shihpoo versus Keeshond     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shihpoo versus Sealyham Terrier     Shihpoo versus Norwegian Lundehund     Shihpoo versus Mal Shi     Shihpoo versus Valley Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Labradoodle     Shihpoo versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shihpoo versus Vizsla     Shihpoo versus Bolognese     Shihpoo versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Boxerdoodle     Shihpoo versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Shihpoo versus Cavapoo     Shihpoo versus Skye Terrier     Shihpoo versus King Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Spanish Mastiff     

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