Portuguese Water Dog vs Spanish Water Dog
Complete side-by-side comparison of Portuguese Water Dog and Spanish Water Dog. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Portuguese Water Dog
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
11-13 years
Price
$2,000-$4,000
Spanish Water Dog
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
12-14 years
Price
$1,500-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Portuguese Water Dog wins this comparison!
Portuguese Water Dog edges out Spanish Water Dog in our comparison, scoring better in 3 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
| Height | 17-23" | 16-20" |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs | 31-49 lbs |
| Lifespan | 11-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Coat Type | Curly | Curly |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Regular - 2-3x/week | Low - Monthly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 60 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,000-$4,000 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year | $1,400/year |
Health Considerations
Portuguese Water Dog
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Spanish Water Dog
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog better for families?
Portuguese Water Dog is generally better for families, scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness compared to 4/5 for Spanish Water Dog. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog?
A Spanish Water Dog costs approximately $1400/year while a Portuguese Water Dog costs about $1400/year. Both cost about the same to own.
Which is easier to train, a Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog is generally easier to train, scoring 5/5 for trainability compared to 4/5 for Spanish Water Dog.
Do Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
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