Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pomeranian Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
- Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
- Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer
- Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
- Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
- Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Portuguese Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
- Do Pomeranians shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?
- Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer
- How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Portuguese Pointers?
- Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
- Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Portuguese Pointer
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pomeranian Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer.

Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.
Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer
| Factor | Pomeranian | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 7 pounds | 35 to 59 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 22 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2150 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pomeranian is a better pet than the Portuguese Pointer. So, you should get a Pomeranian!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer
Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer
The Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer.
The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 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 Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 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 Pomeranian live longer than the Portuguese Pointer.


Health Problems of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the Portuguese Pointer.
6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Portuguese Pointers.
Pomeranian Health Problems
Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian 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 Pomeranians for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians 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: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer
Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Pomeranians shed more than Portuguese Pointers?
Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians are very easy to train.
Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer
Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Portuguese Pointers?
Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Portuguese Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Portuguese Pointer
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pomeranians 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 Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Pointer?
Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Portuguese Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:
Pomeranian versus Field Spaniel Pomeranian versus Great Pyrenees Pomeranian versus Stabyhoun Pomeranian versus Shiba Inu Pomeranian versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Pomeranian versus Labrador Retriever Pomeranian versus Tibetan Terrier Pomeranian versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pomeranian versus Lhasapoo Pomeranian versus Pomsky Pomeranian versus French Bulldog Pomeranian versus American Bulldog Pomeranian versus Pug Pomeranian versus Peek A Poo Pomeranian versus Fila Brasileiro Pomeranian versus Bullmastiff Pomeranian versus German Longhaired Pointer Pomeranian versus Belgian Sheepdog
Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Portuguese Pointer better suits you and your family.