Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer better for families with children?

The Portuguese Pointer tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?

The Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer bigger?

Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Pointer: Better With Kids?

Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Australian Cattle Dog	Portuguese Pointer
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Australian Cattle Dog is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Portuguese Pointer is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Cattle Dog requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Portuguese Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Cattle Dog needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Portuguese Pointer needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Cattle Dog takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Portuguese Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Australian Cattle Dog is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Portuguese Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Portuguese Pointer has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Portuguese Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Cattle Dog has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Portuguese Pointer if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer better for families with children?: The Portuguese Pointer tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?: The Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer bigger?: Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Pointer