Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs English Setter - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but English Setter is originated from United Kingdom. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than English Setter. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 53 kg / 116 pounds lesser than English Setter. Both Portuguese Water Dog and English Setter has same life span. Both Portuguese Water Dog and English Setter has same litter size. Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But English Setter 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.

History

english setter - historyThe English Setter seems to have been a hunting dog in England as far back as the 15th century. These dogs were known to be ‘setter types’ – hunting dogs that ‘set dogges’ – to set or point at game birds. It is believed that the English Setter is a cross of the Water Spaniel, Spanish Pointer and English Springer Spaniel. In the late 1500’s Sr. Johannes Caius, a sportsman, announced to his friends that there was a new dog our of France for hunting. He then describes an English Setter.

Then in the early 1800’s Rev. Harrison of Carlise sold a couple of setters to Mr. Laverack. This pair is the foundation for the breed of English Setters. Without really knowing, Laverack claimed that this line he was breeding from had been pure for 35 previous years. He inbred his male and female for many years and did well in confirmation and field trials.

Then in 1874 the first English Setters were imported to the US from this Laverack line. Mr. Llewellin then crossed the best dogs in the Laverack line with his dogs and eventually produced winning champions Armstrong Dash II and Dashing Bondhu. This led to the “Dashing Bondhu” or the Llewellin line of English Setters. This is why the English Setter is sometimes referred to as the Llewelllin or Laverack Setter.

The setter group to which the English setter belongs includes the Irish Setter, the Gordon Setters and the Irish Red and White Setter. The English Setter, as well as the others, were bred to hunt birds such as pheasant and quail. It was the job of the setter to find the prey and point it out to the hunter after it had been shot. They were also used to flush the birds from the brush so that the hunter could then release hawks to take down the prey. The English Setter is methodical and systemic in their approach.

By the 1600’s this working dog had become the breed of the landed gentry and shooting game was their pastime. These nobles did not use hawks to capture the prey but rather shot them after the English Setter flushed them out. The English Setter is very popular today both as a hunting dog and as a family pet. The English Setter is bred for athleticism and endurance. The have both AKC and UKC certification.

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.

english setter puppy - descriptionThe English Setter is very much a setter in his looks. He is medium in size and was bred to hunt by following airborne prey over a large expanse of ground. He has to have both speed and stamina. He also has to run with his head up watching the prey in the air.

He has a slight dome shaped head and a long muzzle with dark, gentle eyes. The ears have their tips lined up with the eyes, the neck is long and muscular. He shows powerful hindquarters and a fairly long tail.

The coat length is medium and silk. The ears, chest, neck and legs are feathered, as is the tail. The hunting version has a shorter, finer coat than the show dog. The show dogs’ coats are flowing and long. Both types have a white coat with Belton or ticking. The Belton can be black, orange, lemon, liver and the tricolor. This is the liver or blue Belton but there are tan markings on the legs, chest, and face. It was Laverack who named the ticking Belton after a village in England.

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.

english setter dog - characteristicsThe AKC standard for the English Setter breed describes him as a “Gentleman by Nature” and that might be all you need to know about this delightful dog. They are people-oriented and settle right down with their families if they get enough exercise. With proper stimulation they become couch potatoes when you bring them in at night.

They are very friendly with everyone but are especially happy when playing with children. You can trust them with your other pets, children of all ages and anyone coming to your front door. They are not guard dogs. However, they can have a stubborn streak, they can be strong-willed. This is especially true the more working than show stock they are. In addition, they are intelligent, calm and quiet in the house.

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.

english setter puppies - health problemsEnglish Setters, like many other breeds that have a base white coat, can be affected by congenital deafness. A test done by LSU in 2010 showed the 12.4% of the dogs they tested were affected by this. They are also prone to:

  1. Allergies
  2. Both Airborne and food allergies can plaque the English Setter
  3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Most of this is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis or a condition where the immune system attacks its own thyroid gland.

Cancer

The primary cause of death after ten years old

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.

Feeding

english setter dogs - caringThe English Setter is a hard working dog and should be fed accordingly. Puppies should be fed three times a day and adults twice to avoid bloat. Watch your English Spaniel though as they love to counter surf.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above the English Setter is prone to:

Bloat

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

Ear

Keep her ears clean and check regularly for infections.

Exercise and games

The English Spaniel needs exercise on a routine basis – every day walks are best along with some time to just run either in a fenced yard or dog park. Take her jogging, running alongside your bike, hiking or just long walks. They do well with lure coursing, agility, confirmation, obedience and rally.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Portugal
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
45 - 70 kg
99 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Laverack Setter • Lawerack • Laverack
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
orange, lemon, or brown of various markings. Freckles/flecking, blue
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
flat and silky
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, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
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. English Springer Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  2. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  4. English Setter vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. English Setter vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. English Setter vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  7. English Setter vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  8. English Setter vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. English Setter vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. English Setter vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  11. English Setter vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  12. English Setter vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. English Setter vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  14. English Setter vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  15. English Setter vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  16. French Brittany vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  17. Pudelpointer vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  18. Picardy Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  19. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  21. Stabyhoun vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  22. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  23. Vizsla vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  24. Large Munsterlander vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  25. Tyrolean Hound vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds