Portuguese Pointer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Pointer vs Boerboel - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal but Boerboel is originated from South Africa. Portuguese Pointer may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Boerboel. Portuguese Pointer may weigh 63 kg / 138 pounds lesser than Boerboel. Both Portuguese Pointer and Boerboel has almost same life span. Both Portuguese Pointer and Boerboel has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Pointer and Boerboel requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese pointer - historyThe 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.

boerboel - historyThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
South Africa
Height Male:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Pointing Dog
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Colors Available:
fawnish - some white, Tan
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

portuguese pointer puppy - descriptionOriginating 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.

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

Characteristics

portuguese pointer dog - characteristicsThe 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.

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

Health Problems

portuguese pointer puppies - health problemsYour 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.

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

portuguese pointer dogs - caringThe 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.

Grooming

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  4. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  6. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  7. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  8. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  10. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  11. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  12. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  14. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  15. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  16. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  17. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  22. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  36. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Samoyed vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  47. Saluki vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Rough Collie vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  49. Rajapalayam vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  50. Schnauzerdor vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds