Portuguese Pointer vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known as an achondroplastic, a dwarf breed, and they come from Pembrokeshire in Wales. Not much is known of the dog's history but it is believed that the dogs came over with Flemish weavers who settled in Pembrokeshire way back in the 12th century already.

This dog breed has always been a cattle herding dog. Their fame has come from them being a favorite dog breed for the British royals and particularly of Queen Elizabeth II.

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 Pembroke Welsh stands at between 25 and 30cm in height and weighs between 11 and 14kg.

The coat is thick and shortish and can be fawn or a mix of colors such as white, cream, tan and black. The coat sheds quite a bit. Some of these dogs are born with their tail naturally short while others have the tail docked to give it that distinct look.

Temperament:

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loving dogs and with their human families, they want to become involved with their lives. They like to please their owners and are therefore easy to train and socialize, becoming very obedient and amicable.

They’re alert, intelligent dogs and make great watchdogs too. They get on well with other pets in the home as well as children.

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.

British royalty has always loved the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and why not? He is loving, energetic, feisty, gentle, calm, friendly and intelligent.

Able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside, he will however need to be exercised every day as he has always been a herding- and working dog, used to working.

If you’re willing to bring the Pembroke Welsh Corgi into your home, he’ll show you what a splendid pet and companion he can be for you too.

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.

Pembrokes can live to be between 12 to 15 years. With good care they can live to be a ripe old age, but just like with any other dog, they can become ill with any of the many common dog illnesses there are.

Some of these diseases are hip dysplasia, monorchidism and degenerative myelopathy. Being a small or short dog, they are also prone to obesity.

Monorchidism:

This is a condition where only one testicle descends and the other isn’t able to descend into the scrotum. Both testicles should be in the scrotum by 2 months of age. Monorchidism is usually genetic and you may find your dog licking his genital area quite a bit.

If you suspect your dog has monorchidism, you will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Degenerative Myelopathy:

This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord and is usually seen in older dogs, starting with your dog losing coordination in the hind limbs.You’ll notice your dog dragging his feet.

As the disease progresses, the limbs weaken and the dog even has difficulty with standing. Eventually the dog is unable to walk. With time your pet even suffers with urinary and fecal incontinence. Fortunately it isn’t a painful disease but you will want to speak to your vet for advice.

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.

If you bring a puppy home, make sure he gets his puppy vaccines at 8 weeks of age.

Your puppy requires 4 meals a day. Make sure to always give your pet the best quality food there is to ensure his health. Avoid giving him spicy, human food. Dogs like simple, consistent diets which don’t upset the stomach. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, buy the best quality one that isn’t full of preservatives, colorants and fillers. Try and mix in some homemade food occasionally such as chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots. A little bit of raw meat occasionally will do wonders for your pet and he will have more energy, a shinier coat, less skin allergies and less inflammation.

Always ensure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Brush the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s hair twice a week. Feel for any unusual lumps while doing this. Check inside and outside his ears for ticks and fleas and ear infections.

Trim his nails.

Make sure if he goes outside that he has a shady spot to lie down in.

Exercise him. Take him on walks.

Give him your love and attention.

Take him to the vet when you can see that he is sick.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t intend for it to have puppies.

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.