Scottish Deerhound vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison

Scottish Deerhound vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed ComparisonScottish Deerhound is originated from United Kingdom but Portuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal. Scottish Deerhound may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Portuguese Pointer. Scottish Deerhound may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Portuguese Pointer. Scottish Deerhound may live 5 years less than Portuguese Pointer. Scottish Deerhound may have more litter size than Portuguese Pointer. Both Scottish Deerhound and Portuguese Pointer requires Low maintenance.

History

scottish deerhound - historyThe Scottish Deerhound is considered the Royal Dog of Scotland. It is a sighthound that is large and bred to hunt large Red Deer. They are similar in appearance to the Greyhound, but they are bigger and heavier. Closely related to the Irish Wolfhound, they were used in creating it. The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed that is now very rare. It can trace its lineage to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Deerhound was a favorite of hunting nobility and could not be kept by any person or household that did not have at least the rank of earl. Despite this history the Scottish Deerhound was not considered separate from the Highland Greyhound and other staghounds until the 19th century. They were bred to stalk or “course” the red deer and were used extensively for this purpose until the beginning of the 20th century. At that time there was a need for smaller, slower deer tracking dogs.

At the start of the 20th century, the land for deer hunting had grown smaller and so had the deer. Also, the invention of the rifle made the fast Deerhounds who could cover large tracks of ground in minutes, no longer a necessity for successful hunting. As the clan systems fell and the nobility rose, the Deerhounds became the dog for nobility and landowners. There were a few non-nobilities who also kept them and hunted with them. As they were less needed for hunting a few households kept them as show dogs.

In the United States and Canada, both the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound were used for hunting wolves and deer. In Australia, the Kangaroo Dog – a deerhound crossbreed, and Deerhounds were used to hunt wild boar, emu and kangaroos. The Deerhound is one of the oldest of the breeds that are Greyhound-like. The Deerhound is not as fast as the Greyhound if they are running on a smooth surface. Get them on a rough surface and the will out that Greyhound. They appear to be larger and rougher than they really are. This gives them an advantage over the lighter, smaller Greyhound.

The Deerhound was a contributor to development of the Irish Wolfhound toward the end of the 19th century.

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.

Description

scottish deerhound puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Deerhound looks a lot like the Greyhound, except it is heavily boned and larger in size. The Deerhound is also different in several other ways. Instead of the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is more closely related to the Irish Wolfhound than the Deerhound. The Deerhound is a large, rough coated breed. It is a very tall breed; in fact, it is the tallest of all sighthounds.

The Deerhound has a long head with a flat skull and a muzzle that tapers at the end. They have dark eyes and a scissor bite with a tail that can be either curved or straight. The hair on their tails almost touches the ground. The rest of its coat is wiry and harsh with a beard, mustache and mane. The ears are soft and can be either held semi erect or folded against their head. Their coat is gray or grey-blue today but in the past, it might have been brindle, red fawn or yellow.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes but watch out for little ones.

2.Special talents - speed and distance.

3.Adaptability - some but needs space to run.

scottish deerhound dog - characteristics4.Learning ability – intelligent but hunting and running instincts overcome all else.

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.

Health Problems

scottish deerhound puppies - health problemsThe Scottish Deerhound does face some serious challenges on the health front. These include:

  • Cardiomyopathy – heart disease.
  • Osteosarcoma – Bone cancer.

• Cystinuria – recessive disorder that causes an inability for cystine to be filtered from the urine.

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus – otherwise known as bloat and it can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

  • Hypothyroidism – easily treated with medication.
  • Neck pain – if no serious condition – medication can be taken.
  • Factor VII deficiency.
  • Stress is not handled well in this breed.

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.

Caring The Pet

scottish deerhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Feed a high quality large or x large puppy dogfood at least 3-4 times a day. Do not overfeed.

2.Feeding the adult – Feed a high-quality adult large or x large dog food once or twice a day. Do not overfeed.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina and speed.

4. Games and Exercises – The Deerhound needs plenty of exercise in a safe place where they have plenty of room to run. A small yard or life on a leash are not enough for this energetic breed. Play fetch, course running, Like the Greyhound they will be couch potatoes if you let them but that will hurt their health. Lure Coursing or hare coursing are good. Coyote hunting. Find space where they can run for the joy of running. Never force them to run – like along a bicycle

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Portugal
Height Male:
76 - 81 cm
29 - 32 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
39 - 50 kg
85 - 111 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
34 - 43 kg
74 - 95 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 9 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
14 - 15
5 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Deerhound
Portuguese Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
gray, brindle, red, Blue, fawn, yellow
fawnish - some white, Tan
Coat:
wiry
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Deerhound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  3. Scottish Deerhound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  5. Scottish Deerhound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  6. Scottish Deerhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Deerhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Scottish Deerhound vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Deerhound vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Deerhound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Deerhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Deerhound vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Scottish Deerhound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Scottish Deerhound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Scottish Deerhound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Deerhound vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Deerhound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Deerhound vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Scottish Deerhound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Deerhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  32. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  33. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  36. Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Presa Canario vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Saluki vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Rough Collie vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Rajapalayam vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Schnauzerdor vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds