Portuguese Pointer vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Pointer vs Huntaway - Breed ComparisonHuntaway is originated from New Zealand but Portuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal. Huntaway may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Portuguese Pointer. Huntaway may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Portuguese Pointer. Both Huntaway and Portuguese Pointer has same life span. Both Huntaway and Portuguese Pointer has almost same litter size. Both Huntaway and Portuguese Pointer requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
undefined
New Zealand
Portugal
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Portuguese Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
fawnish - some white, Tan
Coat:
smooth or rough
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, 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:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

portuguese pointerThe 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

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

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

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

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

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

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

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Huntaway vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Huntaway vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Huntaway vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Huntaway vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Huntaway vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Huntaway vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Huntaway vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Huntaway vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Huntaway vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Huntaway vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Huntaway vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Huntaway vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Huntaway vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Huntaway vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Huntaway vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Huntaway vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Huntaway vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Huntaway vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Huntaway vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Huntaway vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Huntaway vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Pointer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Pointer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Pointer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Pointer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Pointer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Pointer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Pointer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Pointer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Pointer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Pointer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Pointer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Pointer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Pointer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Pointer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Pointer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Pointer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison