A Detailed Comparison of the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Sussex Spaniel: Introduction

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

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

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 Sussex Spaniel.

Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Sussex Spaniel is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel 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.

Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

Factor Portuguese Pointer Sussex Spaniel
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 35 to 45 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
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 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
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 12.5 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
    		•  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 Sussex Spaniel. 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 Sussex Spaniel is 100 out of 125.

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

    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 Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sussex Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sussex Spaniels are good for new dog owners.
  • Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Sussex Spaniels get along well with other dogs.
  • Portuguese Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Sussex Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Sussex Spaniels do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Sussex Spaniel are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel

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

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

    On the other hand, Sussex Spaniels weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Sussex Spaniels are 1 foot, 1 inch to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sussex Spaniels is 12.5 years.

    Portuguese Pointers live longer than Sussex Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Sussex Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sussex Spaniel

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Sussex Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Sussex Spaniel?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Sussex Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sussex Spaniel?

    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.

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sussex Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Sussex Spaniel

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

    Sussex Spaniels 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 Sussex Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sussex Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Sussex Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Sussex Spaniels?

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

    Sussex Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Sussex Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Sussex Spaniel?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sussex Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sussex Spaniel

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Coton de Tulear (70 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Coton de Tulear.
  • Keeshond (71 percent match with Sussex Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Keeshond.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Akbash     Portuguese Pointer versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Whippet     Portuguese Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Chorkie     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Pointer versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Australian Shepherd     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Portuguese Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     Portuguese Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Pointer versus Boxer     Portuguese Pointer versus Labradoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     

    Sussex Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sussex Spaniel versus Field Spaniel     Sussex Spaniel versus Cockalier     Sussex Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog     Sussex Spaniel versus Miniature Pinscher     Sussex Spaniel versus Collie     Sussex Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Morkie     Sussex Spaniel versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Sussex Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Bichon Frise     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Sussex Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Sussex Spaniel versus Weimaraner     Sussex Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Sussex Spaniel versus Brittany     Sussex Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Pyredoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Sussex Spaniel versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sussex Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Sussex Spaniel versus Affenhuahua     Sussex Spaniel versus Beagle     Sussex Spaniel versus Labradoodle     Sussex Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sussex Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     

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