Is the Portuguese Pointer Better than the Shiloh Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Shiloh Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiloh Shepherd.

Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd: Overview

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

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Shiloh Shepherd 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 Shiloh Shepherd

Factor Portuguese Pointer Shiloh Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 26 to 30 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 80 to 130 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 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 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
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Shiloh Shepherd. 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 Shiloh Shepherd is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Shiloh Shepherd 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 Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Portuguese Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiloh Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Shiloh Shepherd

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

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

    On the other hand, Shiloh Shepherds weigh 80 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Shiloh Shepherds are 26 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

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

    The lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is between 9 to 14 years . The average lifespan of Shiloh Shepherds is 11.5 years.

    Portuguese Pointers live longer than Shiloh Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Shiloh Shepherd

    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 Shiloh Shepherd 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 Shiloh Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shiloh Shepherd than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 4 tests are recommended for the Shiloh Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Shiloh Shepherds.

    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.

    Shiloh Shepherd Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiloh Shepherds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Shiloh Shepherds?

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

    Shiloh Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shiloh Shepherd

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Shiloh Shepherds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    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.

    Shiloh Shepherds 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 Shiloh Shepherds?

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiloh Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Shiloh Shepherd

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

    Shiloh Shepherds 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 Shiloh Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiloh Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Shiloh Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Shiloh Shepherds?

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

    Shiloh Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Shiloh Shepherds?

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

    Shiloh Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Shiloh Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiloh Shepherd?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiloh Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiloh Shepherd

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

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (78 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (79 percent match with Shiloh Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Labrador Retriever.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier     Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Frenchton     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Kelpie     

    Shiloh Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiloh Shepherd versus Field Spaniel     Shiloh Shepherd versus Papillon     Shiloh Shepherd versus Leonberger     Shiloh Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shiloh Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pomsky     Shiloh Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Shiloh Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Shiloh Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shiloh Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     Shiloh Shepherd versus Labradoodle     Shiloh Shepherd versus Leonberger     Shiloh Shepherd versus Hovawart     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     Shiloh Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     Shiloh Shepherd versus Shiranian     Shiloh Shepherd versus Gordon Setter     Shiloh Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shiloh Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Shiloh Shepherd versus Lowchen     Shiloh Shepherd versus Great Dane     Shiloh Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Shiloh Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog     

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