Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Portuguese Pointers?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer? 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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer 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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer 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 Australian Shepherd and for the Portuguese Pointer. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer.
Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, 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.
Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Portuguese Pointer 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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
*Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Portuguese Pointer. 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Portuguese Pointer, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer
The Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Pointer weighs 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. The Portuguese Pointer is 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Portuguese Pointer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Portuguese Pointer is 13.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Portuguese Pointer.
Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer 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 Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the Portuguese Pointer.
7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Portuguese Pointers.
Australian Shepherd Health Problems
Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds here.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Pointers here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Portuguese Pointers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds 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.
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.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Portuguese Pointer
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Pointers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Portuguese Pointer?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Portuguese Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Havanese Australian Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Australian Shepherd versus Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren Australian Shepherd versus Akbash Australian Shepherd versus Chorkie Australian Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus American Bulldog Australian Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli Australian Shepherd versus Frenchton Australian Shepherd versus Great Dane Australian Shepherd versus Stabyhoun Australian Shepherd versus Maltipoo Australian Shepherd versus Bloodhound
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer. 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 Australian Shepherd and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.