A Detailed Comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and the Sloughi.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Sloughi: Introduction

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

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

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 Sloughi.

Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sloughi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Sloughi is a large-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 Sloughi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Sloughi 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 Sloughi

Factor Portuguese Pointer Sloughi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • 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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sloughis adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sloughi

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi

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

    The lifespan of Sloughis is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Sloughis is 14.0 years.

    Sloughis live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Sloughi

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

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

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

    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.

    Sloughi Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sloughis here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Sloughi

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sloughi

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis?

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

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

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

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sloughis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Sloughi

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

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sloughis 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 Sloughi?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Bracco Italiano (78 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Ibizan Hound (79 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Pomchi     Portuguese Pointer versus Kishu Ken     Portuguese Pointer versus Weimaraner     Portuguese Pointer versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus King Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Barbet     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Afador     Portuguese Pointer versus Bolognese     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Dachshund     Portuguese Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Pointer versus Bulldog     Portuguese Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     

    Sloughi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sloughi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Sloughi versus Schipperke     Sloughi versus Sheepadoodle     Sloughi versus Italian Greyhound     Sloughi versus Peek A Poo     Sloughi versus Valley Bulldog     Sloughi versus Afghan Hound     Sloughi versus Ibizan Hound     Sloughi versus Bolognese     Sloughi versus Scottish Deerhound     Sloughi versus Golden Retriever     Sloughi versus Pyredoodle     Sloughi versus Frenchton     Sloughi versus Saluki     Sloughi versus Australian Shepherd     Sloughi versus Mudi     Sloughi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Sloughi versus Norwich Terrier     Sloughi versus Sheepadoodle     Sloughi versus Chihuahua     Sloughi versus Irish Wolfhound     Sloughi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Sloughi versus Maremma Sheepdog     Sloughi versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sloughi versus Gordon Setter     

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