Which is Better between the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff? A Very Detailed Review.

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Tibetan Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Tibetan Mastiff.

Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff: Overview

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

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

Factor Portuguese Pointer Tibetan Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 75 to 160 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
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 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $3000
Average Price No Data $3190
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Tibetan Mastiff. 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 Tibetan Mastiff is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with other dogs.
  • Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train. However, Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Tibetan Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff

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

  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff 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 Tibetan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Portuguese Pointer and the Tibetan Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

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

    On the other hand, Tibetan Mastiffs weigh 75 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Mastiffs are 2 feet to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is 12.0 years.

    Portuguese Pointers live longer than Tibetan Mastiffs.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Tibetan Mastiff

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

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 4 tests are recommended for the Tibetan Mastiff.

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

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Tibetan Mastiffs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Tibetan Mastiff

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Pointer or the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    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.

    Tibetan Mastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Portuguese Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

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

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Tibetan Mastiff

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs 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 Tibetan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Pointer or the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Tibetan Mastiffs?

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

    Tibetan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Tibetan Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Mastiff?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Bernedoodle (71 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Bernedoodle.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (70 percent match with Tibetan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Portuguese Pointer versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Pointer versus Basenji     Portuguese Pointer versus Beaglier     Portuguese Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Pointer versus Great Dane     Portuguese Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Portuguese Pointer versus Field Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Goldendoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus American Foxhound     Portuguese Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer     Portuguese Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     Portuguese Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Shihpoo     

    Tibetan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Mastiff versus Spanish Mastiff     Tibetan Mastiff versus Papillon     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cairn Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Tibetan Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Tibetan Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Tibetan Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer     Tibetan Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Tibetan Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Tibetan Mastiff versus Akita     Tibetan Mastiff versus American Water Spaniel     Tibetan Mastiff versus English Setter     Tibetan Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Affenpinscher     Tibetan Mastiff versus Pomchi     Tibetan Mastiff versus Lowchen     Tibetan Mastiff versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bulldog     Tibetan Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Tibetan Mastiff versus Cavachon     Tibetan Mastiff versus Skye Terrier     Tibetan Mastiff versus Bolognese     Tibetan Mastiff versus English Setter     Tibetan Mastiff versus Schipperke     Tibetan Mastiff versus Biewer Terrier     

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