Breed Comparison: Yorkshire Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer

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Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Portuguese Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Yorkshire 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.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

Factor Yorkshire Terrier Portuguese Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Weight 4 to 6 pounds 35 to 59 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 22 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2420 No Data
Price Range $1600 – $2950 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Pointer is 72 out of 125.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Yorkshire Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Portuguese Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Yorkshire Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer

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

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Portuguese Pointer are very playful.

    • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 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.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Portuguese Pointer

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Portuguese Pointer.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer
    Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    7 health tests are recommended for Yorkshire Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Pointer.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers 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:

  • 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Portuguese Pointers?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer?

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Pointers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Pointers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Portuguese Pointer

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Pointers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Portuguese Pointers?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Pointers?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Portuguese Pointer

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Pointer?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Portuguese Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Yorkshire Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Yorkshire Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Yorkshire Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomapoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Plott     Yorkshire Terrier versus Komondor     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Yorkshire Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     

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