Swedish Lapphund vs Portuguese Pointer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Swedish Lapphund
Foundation Stock Service
Portuguese Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Swedish Lapphund Overview
Swedish Lapphunds possess a distinctive spitz-like appearance with a thick double coat in solid black. Their medium-sized, sturdy frame supports an agile and athletic build, complemented by erect ears and a tightly curled tail. Known for their keen intelligence and lively disposition, these dogs display remarkable herding instincts combined with a friendly, alert temperament. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reflect their attentive nature.
Portuguese Pointer Overview
Portuguese Pointers showcase a noble bearing with their athletic build and distinctive tan coat. Medium-sized with well-proportioned features, they exhibit strong hunting instincts through their alert expression and muscular frame. Their intelligent eyes and expressive face reflect their keen hunting heritage, while their balanced structure combines elegance with functionality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Swedish Lapphunds are less energetic than Portuguese Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Swedish Lapphunds require more grooming attention compared to Portuguese Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Swedish Lapphunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Pointers.
- Trainability: Swedish Lapphunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Lapphund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Pointers adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Lapphunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Swedish Lapphund and Portuguese Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 14-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 41-51 cm | 21-22 inches 52-56 cm |
| Weight | 30-45 lbs 14-20 kg | 35-59 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Intelligent, Lively | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Swedish Lapphund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Swedish Lapphund Temperament
The Swedish Lapphund is known for being playful, intelligent, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Portuguese Pointer Temperament
The Portuguese Pointer is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Swedish Lapphund and Portuguese Pointer, 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
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Swedish Lapphund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Swedish Lapphund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Lapphunds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Swedish Lapphunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Portuguese Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Pointers 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, Portuguese Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Swedish Lapphund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
Portuguese Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Swedish Lapphund
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Strong prey drive
Portuguese Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Highly trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- May be too energetic for apartments
- Requires consistent training
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Swedish Lapphund and Portuguese Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.