Which is Better between the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier: Overview

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

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

Factor Portuguese Pointer Skye 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 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $2000
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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.

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

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Skye Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Skye Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye 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 Skye Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye 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 Skye Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Skye 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, Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Skye Terrier

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Skye Terriers?

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

    Skye Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye 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.

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers?

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

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

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

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Skye Terrier

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

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

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

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

    Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Skye Terriers?

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

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

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Skye Terriers are not easy to train.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Lakeland Terrier (78 percent match with Skye Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Papipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund     Portuguese Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltese     Portuguese Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     Portuguese Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Affenpinscher     Portuguese Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Standard Poodle     

    Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Skye Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Skye Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Pomapoo     Skye Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Skye Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Papillon     Skye Terrier versus Keeshond     Skye Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Skye Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Skye Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Skye Terrier versus Collie     Skye Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Skye Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Skye Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Skye Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Skye Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Skye Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Skye Terrier versus Dachshund     Skye Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Akbash     Skye Terrier versus Pekingese     Skye Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Skye Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Skye Terrier versus Shichon     

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