Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 18 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Poodles are as intelligent as they are elegant, and thrive on mental stimulation and affection. Coming in multiple sizes and with coats that are easy on allergy sufferers, they make ideal companions for many different...

Poodles are as intelligent as they are elegant, and thrive on mental stimulation and affection. Coming in multiple sizes and with coats that are easy on allergy sufferers, they make ideal companions for many different lifestyles.

Poodle Temperament

Poodles have been typecast as prissy, silly or neurotic, but in reality, this active dog breed defies Hollywood stereotypes with their outgoing, friendly and eager-to-please personality. However, their temperament can be influenced by the mood of those around them: Poodles who live in chaotic households or homes where people are...

Poodles have been typecast as prissy, silly or neurotic, but in reality, this active dog breed defies Hollywood stereotypes with their outgoing, friendly and eager-to-please personality. However, their temperament can be influenced by the mood of those around them: Poodles who live in chaotic households or homes where people are barely home may resort to attention-seeking behavior, such as barking or chewing. That’s because Poodles form deep, loving bonds with their pet parents and prefer to spend time with you over almost anything else.

That’s not to say they can’t be alone: Their innate intelligence enables them to excel in obedience and early socialization, so if you properly train them to be comfortable with being alone, they’ll be fine. There are always exceptions to any rule, but generally Poodles are not a high-anxiety breed.

Poodle Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Portuguese water dog

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
11 to 13 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited for highly active pet parents since they require near-constant physical and mental stimulation. Porties can live happily alongside kids, dogs and cats provided they...

Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited for highly active pet parents since they require near-constant physical and mental stimulation. Porties can live happily alongside kids, dogs and cats provided they were raised together from a young age.

Portuguese Water Dog Temperament

Portuguese Water Dogs are quintessential working dogs who have successfully transitioned to family pets over the centuries. These proud seafarers hail from the southern coast of Portugal, where they swam out to nets to help Portuguese fishermen retrieve their catch. You don’t need a boat, however, to befriend a P...

Portuguese Water Dogs are quintessential working dogs who have successfully transitioned to family pets over the centuries. These proud seafarers hail from the southern coast of Portugal, where they swam out to nets to help Portuguese fishermen retrieve their catch. You don’t need a boat, however, to befriend a Portie.

Porties typically have a friendly and kind temperament and are very loyal to their families. Meaning, they’ll likely shoot a suspicious glance or growl in the new deliveryman’s direction, but that’s as far as it goes. They have low biting tendencies and are generally good around strangers.

They also tend to get along great with other dogs and fairly well with cats and kids they grew up with. Still, they benefit from proper socialization early on (great excuse for a “Meet My Puppy” party with all your friends).

On the flip side, Porties are so smart and energetic, they crave constant mental stimulation and can get bored if left to their own devices. Pet parents can keep their dog from going to town on favorite footwear by engaging Porties in vigorous activity, indoors or out. Prepare to play fetch for hours on end with your tireless pet and keep them away from your belongings with an army of chew toys at their disposal. At the end of the day, as active and independent-minded as they can be, Porties are happiest when exercising with the family they love—all the better if that involves swimming in a lake, beach or pool.

Portuguese Water Dog Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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