Portuguese Pointer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Pointer vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Pointer is originated from Portugal but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Portuguese Pointer may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Portuguese Pointer may weigh 63 kg / 138 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Both Portuguese Pointer and American Mastiff has almost same life span. Portuguese Pointer may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Both Portuguese Pointer and American Mastiff 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.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Portugal
United States
Height Male:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
48 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Pointing Dog
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
fawnish - some white, Tan
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
Short and smooth
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

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.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

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.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

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.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  15. Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  16. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  19. Samoyed vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  21. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  22. Saluki vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Rough Collie vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Rajapalayam vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnauzerdor vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds