Portuguese Pointer vs Miniature English Bulldog - Breed Comparison

The Miniature Bulldog is such a cute little dog, hailing from England in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The exact development of the dog is unclear and it seems as though the breeders weren’t working together and were working in two different directions.

There is a lot of debate about the very name ‘miniature’ too because some breeders gave this name to a hybrid mix of a Pug and Bulldog. It seems some breeds were created by crossing English Bulldogs with French Bulldogs to decrease their size. Certainly the origins for the Miniature Bulldog are unknown and there isn’t one particular breeder who can be credited with developing the breed.

Because the Miniature Bulldog is a hybrid breed, it isn’t accepted by the AKC, but it is accepted by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well other registries.

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.

Because the Miniature Bulldog is a cross between two purebred breeds – the Pug and the English Bulldog. You can expect different looks and characteristics from each breed.

Your mini Bulldog is a small breed dog standing between 25 and 35cm male and female and weighing between 11 and 18kg. The average litter size for these dogs is about 4 puppies.

The Miniature Bulldog has a short coat which sheds moderately and that comes in different colors such as tan and white, brindle, with black and grey also having a show in.

Temperament:

The Miniature Bulldog is a social, friendly breed who is able to get on well with all members of the family, including children and pets in the home. His very stature makes it that he isn’t the most active of dogs, but nonetheless you still want to exercise him and take him for walks to avoid obesity.

As with all dogs, training and socialization are imperative because this is a strong-willed dog who wants to go his own way.

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.

You’ll love having one of these entertaining, friendly dogs by your side. He is docile, social, fun and a bit stubborn too but he is able to get on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He can adapt to life in the city as well as in the countryside as he doesn’t require too much exercise.

Take special care of him and he’ll make you a splendid family pet.

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.

Unfortunately the origins of the Miniature English Bulldog are not 100% clear and therefore other important information isn't readily available.

These dogs are always prone to breathing and nasal abnormalities because of the shape of their faces as well as being prone to heart deficiencies. Snoring, grunting and quite a bit of panting is part and parcel of the mini English Bulldog.

They’re also prone to overheating, cherry eye and hip dysplasia. It is most unlikely that your Miniature English Bulldog is going to get any of these illnesses and the good news is that he can live to be up to 12 years of age.

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.

Diet:

Feeding the Miniature English Bulldog is hugely important. It is imperative that he doesn't become obese. Buy the best dog food there is and see to it that he also gets some home-made food. Chop up boiled chicken, brown rice ad vegetables for your pet and mix occasionally into his dry kibble.

Dogs love simple food – their stomachs can’t cope with different foods. They appreciate consistency with uncomplicated but nutritious foods. The bulldog is a dog which can easily overheat, so make sure he has constant access to fresh cool drinking water. On a hot day you can even use a spray bottle and allow some spray mist sprayed into his face to cool him down.

Grooming:

The Mini English Bulldog is a dog that sheds so you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hair.

Check around his eyes and inside his ears for infection.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to get rid of plaque so as to prevent dental decay which can be detrimental to his health.

His face and body have wrinkles, making him more susceptible to skin allergies and you’ll need to keep your eye open for these as they can be terribly painful and frustrating for your pet.

Keep his nails trimmed.

He is neither sleek, agile or quick and you can see just by looking at him that he isn’t designed for being sporty. A slow walk every day will be enough for him as well as some easy-going games inside.

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.