Portuguese Sheepdog vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Portuguese Sheepdog
Foundation Stock Service
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Sheepdog Overview
Portuguese Sheepdogs showcase a distinctive medium-sized frame with a long, wavy coat that can range from yellow to brown. Their expressive eyes and alert ears complement an athletic build designed for herding work. Known for their intelligent expression and agile movements, these dogs carry themselves with confidence and grace while maintaining their rustic appearance.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Sheepdogs are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: American Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Foxhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Sheepdog and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-22 inches 42-55 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 37-59 lbs 17-27 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Devoted, Lively | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament
The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for being intelligent, devoted, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Sheepdog and American Foxhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Sheepdogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding abilities
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be strong-willed
- May show herding behaviors
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Sheepdog and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.