Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Border Collie Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Border Collie versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Border Collies shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer
- How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Portuguese Pointers?
- Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Border Collie Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer.
Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.
Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.
Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
Both the Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are similar in size. The Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Border Collie 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.
Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Border Collie | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 45 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | $1000 | No Data |
| Price Range | $600 – $1250 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie 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 Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Border Collie is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get a Border Collie!
The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer
The Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer.
Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Pointers weigh 35 to 59 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Pointers are 20 to 22 inches when fully grown.
Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.
Lifespan of Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Pointers is 13.0 years.
Border Collies live longer than Portuguese Pointers.
Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.
Health Problems of Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Collie than for the Portuguese Pointer.
13 health tests are recommended for Border Collie while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Collies and in Portuguese Pointers.
Border Collie Health Problems
Border Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Collie 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 Border Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Collie 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 Border Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Collies 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: Border Collie versus Portuguese Pointer
Border Collies do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Border Collies shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Border Collies shed moderately.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.
Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Border Collie temperament here.
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer
Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Portuguese Pointers?
Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Border Collies are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Pointers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Portuguese Pointer
Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.
Portuguese Pointers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the Portuguese Pointer?
Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Portuguese Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:
Border Collie versus Westiepoo Border Collie versus Peek A Poo Border Collie versus Mountain Cur Border Collie versus Samoyed Border Collie versus Lhasapoo Border Collie versus Shiba Inu Border Collie versus Italian Greyhound Border Collie versus Pomeranian Border Collie versus Hovawart Border Collie versus Tibetan Terrier Border Collie versus Spinone Italiano Border Collie versus Dutch Shepherd Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Border Collie versus Greyhound Border Collie versus Sheepadoodle Border Collie versus Komondor Border Collie versus Frenchton Border Collie versus Rottweiler
Conclusion: Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.
