Dog breed comparison
Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Portuguese Water Dog is the bigger breed, about 4 kg heavier on average. The Poodle tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Poodle | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height | From 10 to over 22 inches | 17 inches to 23 inches |
| Weight | 6 to 70 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Poodle
Originally a German water retriever; the name comes from pudel, to splash. The traditional clip protected the joints and chest in cold water. It comes in standard, miniature and toy sizes.
Its low-shedding coat needs clipping every 4 to 8 weeks.
Health to watch
- Addison's disease
- Bloat (in standards)
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation (in smaller sizes)
The Portuguese Water Dog
A Portuguese fishing dog that herded fish into nets, retrieved gear and carried messages between boats. The Obama family's dogs Bo and Sunny were Portuguese Water Dogs.
Its curly coat sheds little and is often given a lion clip.
Health to watch
- Addison's disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- GM1 storage disease
- Hip dysplasia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
First-time owners
The Poodle suits first-time owners better than the Portuguese Water Dog.
General health
The Portuguese Water Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Poodle.
Energy
The Portuguese Water Dog has more energy than the Poodle.
Exercise needs
The Portuguese Water Dog needs more exercise than the Poodle.
Easy to train
The Poodle is easier to train than the Portuguese Water Dog.
Good with other dogs
The Portuguese Water Dog gets on better with other dogs than the Poodle.
Which to choose
Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
Choose the Poodle if…
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if…
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Questions.
Is the Poodle or the Portuguese Water Dog bigger, and which lives longer?
The Portuguese Water Dog is the bigger breed, about 4 kg heavier on average. The Poodle tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Poodle or the Portuguese Water Dog?
The Poodle is generally easier to train than the Portuguese Water Dog. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Poodle or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog have?
The Poodle is prone to Addison's disease, bloat (in standards), sebaceous adenitis. The Portuguese Water Dog is prone to Addison's disease, progressive retinal atrophy, GM1 storage disease. Both share a risk of Addison's disease and progressive retinal atrophy. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
