Poodle
Intelligent, cheerful and barely shedding, the Poodle comes in four sizes, from Toy to Standard, and adapts to almost any household.
Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog
Side by side
| Trait | Poodle | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion and toy dogs | Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs |
| Size | Toy – Large | Medium |
| Weight | 3–30 kg | 16–25 kg |
| Height at withers | 24–60 cm | 43–57 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 11–13 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Heavier: Portuguese Water Dog (about 20.5 kg vs 16.5 kg on average)
- Taller: Portuguese Water Dog (about 50 cm vs 42 cm on average)
- Suited to apartments: Poodle only
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Poodle is the better fitBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Portuguese Water Dog is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Portuguese Water Dog
A tireless swimmer with a curly or wavy coat, the Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, playful and sheds very little.