Portuguese Water Dog vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Dogo Guatemalteco is originated from Guatemala. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Dogo Guatemalteco are having almost same height. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Dogo Guatemalteco. Portuguese Water Dog may live 3 years more than Dogo Guatemalteco. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Dogo Guatemalteco has same litter size. Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But Dogo Guatemalteco requires Moderate 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.

dogo guatemalteco - historyKnown as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

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.

dogo guatemalteco puppy - descriptionThe Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to 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.

dogo guatemalteco dog - characteristicsYour Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family companion.

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.

dogo guatemalteco puppies - health problemsThis dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

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.

dogo guatemalteco dogs - caringThe coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Portugal
Guatemala
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Guatemalan Molosser, Guatemalteco Bull Terrier
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
White with black markings
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Constant
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
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds