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

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Portuguese Pointer Versus Toy Fox Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Pointer and the Toy Fox Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny-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 Toy Fox Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Pointer to the Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier

Factor Portuguese Pointer Toy Fox Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 13 to 14 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 22 inches 8 to 11 inches 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 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 59 pounds 3 to 7 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
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 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1200
Average Price No Data $1100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

  • Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Toy Fox Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Toy Fox Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Pointer and the Toy Fox Terrier

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Pointer and the Toy Fox 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, Toy Fox Terriers weigh 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. Toy Fox Terriers are 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terriers is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Toy Fox Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Toy Fox Terriers live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer versus Health Problems of Toy Fox Terrier

    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 Toy Fox Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Toy Fox Terrier than for the Portuguese Pointer.

    3 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Pointer while 5 tests are recommended for the Toy Fox Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Pointers and in Toy Fox Terriers.

    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.

    Toy Fox Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Hypothyroidism w/Goiter
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Toy Fox Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Toy Fox Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Portuguese Pointers shed more than Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Pointer or the Toy Fox Terrier

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    Toy Fox Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy Fox 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.

    Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terriers?

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

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

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Toy Fox Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Pointer vs. Toy Fox Terrier

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

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

    Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Toy Fox Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Toy Fox Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs? What about Toy Fox Terriers?

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

    Toy Fox Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Pointers and Toy Fox Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Easier to Train than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Toy Fox Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Toy Fox Terrier?

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Toy Fox Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cairn Terrier (78 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Ibizan Hound (76 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Lowchen (77 percent match with Toy Fox Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Pointer vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Berger Picard     Portuguese Pointer versus Pomsky     Portuguese Pointer versus Mal Shi     Portuguese Pointer versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Pointer versus Chinook     Portuguese Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     Portuguese Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Portuguese Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Pekingese     Portuguese Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Pointer versus Chow Chow     Portuguese Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Pointer versus Cavachon     Portuguese Pointer versus Briard     Portuguese Pointer versus Cesky Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Pointer versus Chihuahua     Portuguese Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     Portuguese Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel     Portuguese Pointer versus Pointer     

    Toy Fox Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Toy Fox Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Toy Fox Terrier versus Akita     Toy Fox Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Toy Fox Terrier versus Keeshond     Toy Fox Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Toy Fox Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Toy Fox Terrier versus Cockapoo     Toy Fox Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Toy Fox Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Toy Fox Terrier versus American Foxhound     Toy Fox Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Toy Fox Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Toy Fox Terrier versus Bich Poo     Toy Fox Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Toy Fox Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Toy Fox Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Toy Fox Terrier versus Puggle     Toy Fox Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Toy Fox Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Toy Fox Terrier versus Maltese     Toy Fox Terrier versus Saluki     Toy Fox Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     

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