Is the Portuguese Pointer Better than the Siberian Husky as a Pet? Answer…

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Siberian Husky: Introduction

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

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

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 Siberian Husky.

Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky: Overview

Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are similar in size. The Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky

Factor Portuguese Pointer Siberian Husky
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 35 to 60 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 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $700 – $1250
Average Price No Data $1080
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- min age 12 months
  • 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 Siberian Husky. 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 Siberian Husky is 71 out of 125.

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

    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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Siberian Huskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Siberian Huskys get along well with other dogs.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Siberian Huskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Siberian Husky are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky

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

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

    On the other hand, Siberian Huskys weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Siberian Huskys are 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky

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

    The lifespan of Siberian Huskys is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Siberian Huskys is 13.5 years.

    Siberian Huskys live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Siberian Husky

    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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Pointer than for the Siberian Husky.

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Siberian Husky.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Siberian Huskys.

    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.

    Siberian Husky Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- min age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Siberian Huskys here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Siberian Huskys do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Siberian Huskys?

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

    Siberian Huskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Siberian Husky

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Siberian Huskys drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Siberian Husky?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Siberian Husky?

    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.

    Siberian Huskys have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Siberian Huskys?

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

    Siberian Huskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Siberian Huskys Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Siberian Huskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Siberian Husky

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

    Siberian Huskys have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Siberian Huskys Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Siberian Huskys 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 Siberian Husky?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Siberian Huskys get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Siberian Huskys?

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

    Siberian Huskys are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Siberian Huskys?

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

    Siberian Huskys get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Siberian Husky?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Siberian Huskys are not easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Siberian Husky?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Siberian Huskys do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Siberian Huskys 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 Siberian Husky vs American Bulldog.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Siberian Husky vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Patterdale Terrier (78 percent match with Portuguese Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Siberian Husky vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Siberian Husky

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

  • Samoyed (75 percent match with Siberian Husky). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Samoyed.
  • Bloodhound (75 percent match with Siberian Husky). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bloodhound.
  • Finnish Spitz (78 percent match with Siberian Husky). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Finnish Spitz.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldador     Portuguese Pointer versus Bearded Collie     Portuguese Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyredoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Mudi     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji     Portuguese Pointer versus Morkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Westiepoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund     Portuguese Pointer versus Bloodhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasapoo     

    Siberian Husky Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Siberian Husky versus Shiranian     Siberian Husky versus Shih Tzu     Siberian Husky versus Norfolk Terrier     Siberian Husky versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Siberian Husky versus Saluki     Siberian Husky versus Dutch Shepherd     Siberian Husky versus Kishu Ken     Siberian Husky versus Finnish Spitz     Siberian Husky versus Cavapoo     Siberian Husky versus Chow Chow     Siberian Husky versus Goldador     Siberian Husky versus Maremma Sheepdog     Siberian Husky versus Tibetan Terrier     Siberian Husky versus Irish Setter     Siberian Husky versus Welsh Terrier     Siberian Husky versus Japanese Chin     Siberian Husky versus Miniature Poodle     Siberian Husky versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Siberian Husky versus Shiba Inu     Siberian Husky versus Chow Chow     Siberian Husky versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Siberian Husky versus Miniature Poodle     Siberian Husky versus Italian Greyhound     Siberian Husky versus Maltese     

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