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Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

Chris Dinesen Rogers

By Chris Dinesen Rogers

Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle - Featured Image

The differences between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Poodle begin with their names. You’re likely familiar with the latter. After all, they have featured prominently in Hollywood films, such as Edward Scissorhands, Babe: Pig in the City, and Look Who’s Talking Now. However, it has many loyal enthusiasts who share their love of these dogs with others.

The breeds look alike, which can make some think they are similar in other aspects. That’s true for some cases, but not all. The Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle have shared solid and loyal bonds through the years. Both have storied histories that are worth a look.

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Visual Differences Between Portuguese Water Dogs and Poodles

Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle side by side
Image Credit: (L) Eve Photography, Shutterstock | (R) Krisztian Juhasz, Shutterstock

At a Glance

Portuguese Water Dog
  • Origin: Algarve, Portugal
  • Size: 20–23 inches and 42–60 pounds (males); 17–21 inches and 35–50 pounds (females)
  • Lifespan: 11–13 years
  • Domesticated?: Known since pre-Christian times
Poodle
  • Origin: Germany
  • Size: Over 15 inches tall (standard); 60–70 pounds (males); 40–50 pounds (females)
  • Lifespan: 10–18 years
  • Domesticated?: Selectively bred as a duck hunting dog more than 400 years ago

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Portuguese Water Dog Overview

The Portuguese Water Dog isn’t as well known as the Poodle, despite being an old breed. It ranks number 49 on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds. It lived throughout Portugal during its heyday. However, its population declined as the work for which it was used decreased, putting it on the brink of extinction.

Luckily, local businessman Vasco Bensaude spearheaded efforts to revive the Portuguese Water Dog. It eventually arrived in the United States in the 1960s, where it won the hearts of loyal enthusiasts. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1983. While it’s taken a while for it to catch on, the Portuguese Water Dog is a fun-loving pup that is here to stay.

Portuguese Water Dog
Photo Credit: Zé Maria, Unsplash

Characteristics & Appearance

The most noteworthy trait of the Portuguese Water Dog is its friendliness. If socialized early in life, this pup loves everyone, including other dogs. It doesn’t have a strong prey drive, making it a good choice if you have other pets like cats. While this breed can be nippy, it is also highly intelligent and trainable, making it a suitable dog for first-time pet owners.

Despite its name, this pup adapts well to city living as long as it gets plenty of exercise. Remember that it’s a working breed with plenty of energy to boot. It’s reasonably tolerant of cold and warm weather. The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful pet that can keep up with the kids in games of fetch and tug-o-war. It doesn’t like to be alone and can be sensitive to harsh reprimands.

At first glance, you may think the Portuguese Water Dog is a shaggy Poodle. Some believe the latter is a descendant of this breed. It is a muscular pup with a thick, wavy, or curly coat. Accepted colors include white, brown, and black.

Uses

The Portuguese Water Dog found a home on the coasts and the associated wharves where it would help round up the day’s fishing catch into the awaiting nets. It became an invaluable companion and guard dog. The pup proved invaluable as a retriever of lost gear. That helps to explain its excellent swimming ability and its fitting name.

The appearance of the breed suggests its hardworking nature. It is both intelligent and obedient—two essential traits for its seafaring work.

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Poodle Overview

Poodles are unique among dog breeds in that there are three officially recognized sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The overall standard is the same across the board except for the varying sizes. The differences merely open up more opportunities for people to bring one home. The Standard Poodle is closest in size to the Portuguese Water Dog, so we’ll use it in our comparison.

Selective breeding honed the characteristics that attributed to its popularity in Germany and, subsequently, France. Proud and adaptable describes the Poodle to a tee. These traits serve the pup well with its other characteristics and jobs. While it is a talented dog on many fronts, the AKC classifies it as a non-sporting breed. However, don’t let that sway your perception of this intelligent pup.

standard poodle standing on grass
Photo Credit: Anna K Majer, Shutterstock

Characteristics & Appearance

The distinctive characteristic of the Poodle is its dense, curly coat. While it doesn’t shed, the pup requires regular grooming to keep it in good shape. Otherwise, it may become matted. Fortunately, it’s something you can learn to do, particularly if you start your pup young to get used to it. The Poodle’s coat is typically solid in a full range of colors, from white to brown to black.

The Poodle is an intelligent animal. That’s a good thing when it comes to training. Your pup will pick up commands and tricks quickly. However, it also means you must provide adequate mental stimulation. It is an energetic and playful dog. Nevertheless, a bored pup is a destructive one without giving it more appropriate ways to occupy its time. The Poodle is a good choice for first-time pet owners.

Uses

The first thing many think of with Poodles is a fancy breed with pompoms for hair. That’s a far cry from the history of this breed that goes back to waterfowl hunting in marshes and ponds back in its German homeland. The pup’s coat, muscular profile, and intelligence make it an excellent fit for a hunting companion.

The Poodle plays nice with other people and dogs. It’s also eager to please and sensitive if it fails to please its owner. The friendly nature of the breed made it a natural choice to selectively breed it in different sizes and, thus, various uses. Toy and miniature pups make delightful canine companions. However, we suggest watching for the fearfulness that occurs in some smaller dogs.

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What Are the Differences Between Portuguese Water Dogs & Poodles?

The things prospective pet owners look for in pets often include temperament, size, and shedding. Both breeds fit the bill for a family pet with an adorable personality and eagerness to please. The stature of the two is also similar. They were working dogs historically in situations that often involved being in the water. The Portuguese Water Dog has the edge on energy and exercise needs.

This breed can be nippier, perhaps because of its intensity. The Portuguese Water Dog also is more likely to bark or follow a fleeing animal. However, good training can control those undesirable players. The significant differences between the two dogs exist in grooming. Both don’t shed a lot or drool. However, grooming is more involved with the Poodle than the Portuguese Water Dog because of clipping.

Unless you’re doing it yourself, you’ll fork out a significant amount of cash to take your pet to a professional groomer. Prices vary, depending on where you live and what extra services you choose. Bear in mind you may need to bring your dog in every 4–6 weeks, so grooming a Poodle can add up quickly. You can opt for a puppy cut to keep the costs in line.

You’ll also need to groom a Portuguese Water Dog, too, albeit minus the fancy clips. However, it’s still essential to consider these expenses, which put both breeds into the upper end of maintenance costs. Suffice it to say, you’ll pay considerably more than the estimated $47 annual expenditure for dog grooming.

Another stark distinction exists between the Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle. The former is generally a healthier pup, even if its lifespan is shorter. Popularity is a double-edged sword. It makes it easy to find a puppy. However, there’s a heightened risk of congenital conditions, particularly among unreputable sellers who don’t do the necessary pre-breeding screenings.

portuguese water dog
Photo By: Zadranka, Shutterstock

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Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Portuguese Water Dog and the Poodle are intelligent animals that are easy to train. They are both ideal for active families. However, the former might be a little too energetic for small kids, especially combined with its size. It also has an independent streak, which isn’t unusual, given its job. It comes from working alone.

Because of their varying popularity, you’ll likely find it easier to find a Poodle than a Portuguese Water Dog. You may also pay more for the latter. Nevertheless, both breeds will make great pets for families with enough time to devote to training and daily mental stimulation.

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Feature Image Credit: Left – Jennay Hitesman, Shutterstock | Right – chili71, Pixabay

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