Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison

The Goldendoodle, known fondly as the Golden Poo, originates from the USA and was first bred in the 1990’s, coming about because of two popular dog breeds being mated together – the Golden Labrador and the Poodle.

He isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs. The beautiful dog was first bred in 1969 by Monica Dickens, and of course when everybody saw the little golden ball of sheer delight, everybody wanted one and the dog’s popularity soared.

The original purpose of the cross-breed was to develop guide dogs which would go down well with people with allergies. Today, not all Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, but they’re also popular because they have a low shedding coat.

The 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.

The Goldendoodle is a medium sized dog, standing between 61 -66 cm in height and weighing between 14 – 20kg. Nothing is set in stone with regards to his size as the Poodle can be Toy, Miniature and Standard, meaning the Goldendoodle can be a smallish dog or he can be a large dog.

His coat is usually golden, cream, yellow, red and even leaning towards brown or black. It is mostly medium length and wavy or even curly. Many Goldendoodle owners send their pets in to have their coats professionally shorn.

He has medium length, floppy ears and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Making the most wonderful family pet and companion, Goldendoodles have just the right temperament for them to be used as therapy- or rescue dogs. They’re bright, outgoing alert, social, gentle, loving, patient with children, adults and pets and friendly and amicable as well.

They’ve inherited wonderful characteristics from both the poodle and the Golden Labrador. He is an energetic dog so even though he adapts well to city life or country life, he will need to have exercise as in walks and ball games.

Originating 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.

Your Goldendoodle is sure to be a real joy in your home. He is a lively, healthy dog breed and when you treat him like a family member, a real deep bond can be developed.

He loves to be included in everything going on in the household and doesn't like being left alone for a long time. He has wonderful characteristics from the Golden Retriever and the Poodle as both these dog breeds are known for their friendly, patient, kind, amicable and intelligent personalities.

Easy to train, your Goldendoodle is obedient and wants to please, and is just waiting to become a loyal, loving friend in your family.

The 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.

The Goldendoodle is a healthy dog, but each breed involved with bringing about the Goldendoodle - Poodles and Golden Retrievers – can be prone to hip dysplasia. Both dog breeds are also susceptible to inheritable eye disorders.

There are some common dog ailments worth knowing about. The idea is to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible when you detect that he isn’t his usual self.

Atopic Dermatitis:

Allergic skin disease is common in other dog breeds as well, and once the allergen is inhaled or absorbed, your pet can battle terribly with itchy, red skin. This inflammatory, chronic skin disease can drive your pet mad and you’ll see him scratching and licking continually. Get him to the vet as soon as possible because it may just be a case of changing his diet.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that can even be seen in young dogs when the hip joints don’t develop normally. It can cause arthritis, terrible pain and lameness with your pet.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

You’ll notice that your pet battles to see- and get around at night. Signs of night blindness can lead to loss of vision, particularly with your middle-aged Goldendoodle.

Your 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.

Quality Time:

Taking care of a Goldendoodle isn't only about feeding him and seeing he has a fresh bowl of water available. It’s about making him part of the family and giving him love and attention just like with any family member. He needs -

Good nutritious food to keep him healthy.

A warm dry place to sleep at night.

A place during the day that offers shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.

He needs to be brushed to remove loose hairs, have his nails trimmed, his ears checked for infection and his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

He needs to be exercised – walks, ball and rope games, swimming and joining you in your activities.

He needs to be taken to the vet when he is showing signs of illness.

He needs love, care and attention just like any other family member.

Exercise:

The 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.