Portuguese Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Portuguese Pointer may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Portuguese Pointer may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Portuguese Pointer and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Portuguese Pointer and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. Portuguese Pointer requires Low maintenance. But American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

portuguese pointer - historyThe Portuguese Pointer comes from Portugal where the dog was developed as a gun dog. It is believed that the dog is descended from the Spanish Pointer and developed to point out game.

The dog was was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

The dog was introduced to England in the 18th century and the modern type of the Portuguese Pointer became established in the early 1900’s when the breed had become endangered. A group of breeders re-established its numbers.

Today it is both working- and companion dog. The UK Kennel Club recognised it as a breed in 2014.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Description

portuguese pointer puppy - descriptionOriginating from Portugal, the attractive, almost Boxer-like looking dog is a medium sized purebred dog that stands at between 48 and 60cm in height and weighs roughly 16 to 27kg.

The Portuguese Pointer has a coat that is light brown, tan or yellow. The dog has a short, easy to maintain coat. He has a fairly square face, much like the Boxer, floppy ears with a long tail. The tail is usually docked. The eyes are brown and he a bright, alert, kind expression.

Temperament:

The Portuguese Pointer is a dog with strong hunting instincts, but who still has time to make a splendid companion for his human family. He is gentle and loyal to his human family, being somewhat reserved with strangers. This is a good thing really as this makes him a good watchdog.

He is good with other pets in the home as well as with children. He badly wants to please his family, and because he is intelligent and a fast learner, you won’t have any trouble with training and socialization.

He is a sociable dog, loving to be close to its owner. He is active and will require quite a bit of exercise, loving to join in with games with the children. He gets on well with children in the home as well as with animals.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

Characteristics

portuguese pointer dog - characteristicsThe gorgeous Portuguese Pointer makes such a loyal and loving pet. He is always looking out for his human family, making sure that they are safe and protected under his watch.

He is an excellent watch dog too, proudly running around outside and making sure that there are no intruders around. They are good with kids too if the kids are gentle and kind with animals.

He loves a good game too and is always ready to take part in any activities you’re taking part in. The Portuguese Pointer is truly an awesome pet and companion.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

Health Problems

portuguese pointer puppies - health problemsYour robust Portuguese Pointer isn’t known to be a dog to suffer with too many breed related health problems. With good care he can reach 14 years of age.Portuguese Pointers are a healthy breed, but some health issues can crop up -

Cancer:

Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs young and old. Luckily, if caught early, cancer is curable. Some of the cancers found in dogs are malignant lymphoma – a tumor of the lymph nodes.

Skin cancer is also fairly common. The warning signs of cancer in dogs can be a new lump or a wound that won’t heal. While these are classic signs, sometimes there are no signs. If your dog isn’t feeling well, it’s time to get him to the veterinarian.

Liver Disease:

The liver is one of the vital body organs but it is susceptible to a wide variety of problems. It detoxifies the blood, stores vitamins and assists with digestion among other things.

One of the most common symptoms of liver disease is jaundice. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood and leads to the yellowish appearance of the dog.

Other common symptoms of liver disease include vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. Veterinary attention will be required.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

portuguese pointer dogs - caringThe Portuguese Pointer has been a working dog and doesn’t enjoy lying around with nothing to do. Apart from a walk every day which he loves, he’ll want other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically.

Grooming:

His short coat means that he won’t require any special grooming. He does shed constantly, like many other dogs, and a good brush twice a week will keep his short coat vibrant and shiny.

Diet:

Your canine friend will require protein in his diet as well as all the vitamins ad minerals for health. The very best commercially manufactured dog foods will be required for his health.

The dry kibble can be a wonderful convenient way to feed your pet. The best commercial foods meet the requirements for a dog’s diet. Give him some delicious home made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can be cooked in bulk and then chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

It provides your pet with an alternative to the dry kibble, it is healthy, easy to digest and your pet will love it. Dogs thrive on simple consistency. Once in a while you can also give him some raw meat. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Portugal
United States
Height Male:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Pointing Dog
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
fawnish - some white, Tan
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Short and smooth
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  15. Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  16. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  19. Samoyed vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  21. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  22. Saluki vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Rough Collie vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Rajapalayam vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnauzerdor vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds