PuppyBase

Bluetick Coonhound vs Portuguese Pointer

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Bluetick Coonhound vs Portuguese Pointer

People don’t usually pit a Bluetick Coonhound against a Portuguese Pointer unless they’re deep in the hunting dog world or they’ve stumbled on two obscure, high-energy breeds that look vaguely similar in photos. But here’s the real story. these dogs live in completely different universes, even if both wear floppy ears and love a good chase. The Bluetick is that deep-voiced, relentless tracker who’ll follow a raccoon’s cold trail through pitch-black woods and steep terrain. You’ll know he’s working because the whole neighborhood will hear him. He’s smart and loyal, but he’s built for independence. If you’re not leading with confidence, he’ll make his own plans. He’s not unfriendly with kids, but he’s not a cuddly lap dog either. Life with a Bluetick means ear infection checks, a secure fence, and accepting that quiet evenings are a fantasy. The Portuguese Pointer, on the other hand, is pure partnership. Bred to work in sync with falconers, he’s eager, focused, and deeply bonded to his person. He’s quieter, more adaptable, and actually enjoys winding down at home. though you’d better be ready to burn off that 5/5 energy daily. He’s more naturally biddable, so training clicks faster, especially in structured environments. And yes, he’ll sit calmly beside kids, adapt to a smaller yard (if exercised), and even warm up to apartment life in a pinch. if you’re home often and active. If you’re a hunter who wants a self-reliant treeing dog in rugged terrain, go Bluetick. If you want a responsive, versatile gundog that thrives on teamwork and family life, the Portuguese Pointer wins. Here’s the truth beyond the data: the Bluetick chooses the hunt over you. The Portuguese Pointer chooses you. and then wants to hunt together.

Bluetick Coonhound
Portuguese Pointer
21–27 in
Height
20.5–22 in
45–80 lb
Weight
35–59 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
14–14 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#130
AKC popularity

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bluetick Coonhound Portuguese Pointer
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Portuguese Pointer is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Good with Young Children
Portuguese Pointer is better with kids (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Good with Other Dogs
Bluetick Coonhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Bluetick
Coat Grooming
Portuguese Pointer needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Portuguese
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Pointer is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Portuguese
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

  • Active people
  • Hunters
  • Rural homes
  • You value good with other dogsBluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Portuguese Pointer if…

  • hunters
  • active families
  • experienced sporting dog owners
  • You value affectionate w/ familyPortuguese Pointer scores higher here.
Bluetick Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bluetick Coonhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Portuguese Pointer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Portuguese Pointer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run