Is the Chihuahua Better than the Portuguese Pointer as a Pet? Answer…

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Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or the Portuguese Pointer.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

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.

Chihuahua versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Chihuahua Portuguese Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 18 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
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
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Weight 3 to 6 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Height 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1820 No Data
Price Range $850 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination – recommended testing frequency at ages 1, 4, and 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Portuguese Pointers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Portuguese Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer 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 Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer are very easy to groom.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 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.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Portuguese Pointers.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Portuguese Pointer

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

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

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Portuguese Pointer

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Portuguese Pointers?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.