Portuguese Water Dog
A tireless swimmer with a curly or wavy coat, the Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, playful and sheds very little.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Spanish Water Dog
Side by side
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs | Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 16–25 kg | 14–22 kg |
| Height at withers | 43–57 cm | 40–50 cm |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Taller: Portuguese Water Dog (about 50 cm vs 45 cm on average)
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
- Both are similarBased 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
- Spanish Water Dog is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Spanish Water Dog
A versatile dog with a woolly, curly coat, the Spanish Water Dog is hard-working, loyal and well suited to hot climates.