Portuguese Water Dog vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Cabecudo Boiadeiro is originated from Brazil. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Cabecudo Boiadeiro. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 55 kg / 121 pounds lesser than Cabecudo Boiadeiro. Portuguese Water Dog may live 3 years more than Cabecudo Boiadeiro. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Cabecudo Boiadeiro has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Cabecudo Boiadeiro requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese water dog - historyThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

cabecudo boiadeiro - historyThe Cabecudo Boiadeiro has always played an important role in the management of livestock. Stockdogs like this were known in parts of Minas Gerais as early as the 18th century. In fact reports tell us that the Cabecudo has existed since the 16th century as a working dog in the rural parts of Brazil.

The Capecudo has remained much the same over the centuries – a dog created as a guardian for large properties, as a game hunter and livestock herder and protector. Today this Molosser dog still drives cattle in Brazil.

Description

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

cabecudo boiadeiro puppy - descriptionThe Brazilian Cabedudo is a strong boned, large dog with a large head and a deep chest. The coat of the dog is short and dense and in wheat-colored shades or fawn shades, while brindle is also in existence. The Cabeçudo Boiadeiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff and is a large, imposing dog.

Because the breed was created from a blend of the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound, not only is this a large dog in height, but a big boned dog as well. He has short to medium length floppy ears and a long tail.

The Brazilian Cabedudo is a courageous dog. When he has been properly trained and socialized, this large dog is capable of becoming an obedient, loving and devoted family pet who is able to get along with children and other pets too. He reserves this gentler side of him for his human family and won’t easily tolerate strangers.

Characteristics

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

cabecudo boiadeiro dog - characteristicsDeciding to become an owner of a dog is a big responsibility, as you are going to have your pet with you for 10 – 15 years at least. There are so many essentials to remember with owning a dog and most dogs are far happier and healthier when allowed to live part of the time indoors with their human family.

It's not always easy being a large dog such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro, as people often assume these mastiff-type dogs are unfriendly and aggressive.

Every dog breed however, is essentially the product of his owners lifestyle and his unique upbringing with them. When this large pet is properly trained and socialized and he is loved and well cared for, he promises to be faithful, devoted, playful and loving – a real friend and protector.

Health Problems

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

cabecudo boiadeiro puppies - health problemsThe Cabecudo Boiadeiro is considered a robust breed, used to lots of exercise while herding livestock. With good care and plenty of exercise he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. He is a large breed and this fact alone will ensure that you be aware of some dog illnesses prone to larger breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an orthopedic condition where the hip joints don’t fit properly into the hip joint. Larger breeds such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro are at a higher risk of getting this orthopaedic disorder.

You’ll see your dog battling to move around and he may not even be able to get up again after lying down. Sometimes a dog might even require surgery. Thankfully, there is testing for hip dysplasia in dogs, and you can ask to see a clearance certificate if you buy your puppy from a so-called reputable breeder.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can actually lead to blindness in your pet. Night blindness sets in and your dog becomes unsure how to walk in unfamiliar areas, You'll notice that his eyes become gray or cloudy-looking as though there is a film over the eyes. Parent dogs with this eye disease should be spayed or neutered.

Caring The Pet

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Exercise:

cabecudo boiadeiro dogs - caringThe Cabecudo Boiadeiro is a large breed dog. In spite of his size though, he is surprisingly an active dog. He will need regular exercise such as a brisk walk very day. You can also put aside time to give him some exciting ball games. He is a breed used to working so he will be most unhappy lying around doing nothing.

Diet:

If you are going to be feeding your Cabecudo Boiadeiro commercially manufactured good, make sure it is the best quality food. Always go for dog foods which have all the nutrients your large dog requires.

You get wet, dry and raw complete foods and you can give your pet a mix of these. Always make sure that your pet gets some raw meat in from time to time too, otherwise he could battle with skin diseases.

If you aren’t sure how to feed such a large dog, your veterinarian will help you decide which category of food would suit your pet. Clean, cool water is to be provided constantly.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Portugal
Brazil
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
62 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
62 - 82 kg
136 - 181 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
60 - 82 kg
132 - 181 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Wheat color, Fawn, Brindle
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Cane Corso vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  2. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  3. Perro de Presa Canario vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  4. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  5. Dogo Guatemalteco vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  6. Molossus vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  7. Danish Broholmer vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  8. Sage Koochee vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  9. Cabecudo Boiadeiro vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Canis Panther vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  11. Cao de Castro Laboreiro vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  12. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  13. Cordoba Fighting Dog vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  14. Perro Cimarron vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  15. Perro de Toro vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  16. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  17. Korean Mastiff vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  18. Samoyed vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  19. Labradoodle vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  20. Mixed vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  21. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  22. Great Pyrenees vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  23. Old English Sheepdog vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  24. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds