Toy Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Toy Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed ComparisonToy Poodle is originated from France but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Toy Poodle may grow 29 cm / 11 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Toy Poodle may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Toy Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Toy Poodle may have less litter size than Portuguese Water Dog. Toy Poodle requires Moderate maintenance. But Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance

History

toy poodle - historyMore and more people are opting not to clip their Poodles ith those ridiculous hair cuts with pom poms. Clipped properly, he can be just as cute as any other dog.

It is thought that the Toy Poodle hails from France, with the standard poodle having originated in Germany. The first poodles were used as herders so they’re not just useless dogs with silly pom-pom haircuts.

Some rough-coated water dogs are believed to be ancestors of the Poodle. It was in the 19th century that these dogs became show dogs. Their popularity died out in the 1920s, but it has once again become a popular dog.

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.

Description

toy poodle puppy - descriptionToy Poodles stand between 24 to 28 cm in height and weigh in the region of 2 to 5kg. Poodles are light-shedding dogs and are thought to be hypo-allergenic. If you have an allergy, a Toy Poodle can e a great dog for you.

The crip, curly coat comes in a number of colors – cream, apricot, brown, chocolate, and black and he can be clipped if you find that he is too high maintenance. If the hair is allowed to grow it can become very matted and turn into dreadlocks.

Many Toy Poodle owners find this very difficult to maintain and opt to have the dog’s hair clipped. The poodle has medium-length floppy ears. Docking of the tail is important if you want to keep the distinctive look of your poodle. Fortunately, docking is still permitted in the USA and this is best done when the puppy is very young.

Temperament:

Toy Poodles are intelligent dogs and are capable of learning a whole lot of commands and tricks. They’re also excellent athletes, being lively and energetic.

Being lively and alert, the Toy Poodle can be a good watchdog too, barking sharply at intruders. The Toy Poodle is very social and won’t take kindly to being left alone for hours.

Then again, he is gentle and sensitive and won’t do well with undisciplined children and their shrill screams. They are definitely dogs that want peace and harmony. And having him trained and socialized will get you a well mannered, obedient dog. He is small enough to adapt to life in the city or the countryside.

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.

Characteristics

toy poodle dog - characteristicsThis dog breed is very loyal to its family. It doesn't do well when left for hours on its own.

Energetic and lively, you’ll find your Toy Poodle such a pleasure to have around. He is very intelligent too, so with training and socialization he becomes a super little pet.

Playful and social, he is like a small ray of sunshine that comes into your home and your heart.

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.

Health Problems

toy poodle puppies - health problemsGood food and exercise keep the Toy Poodle as healthy as possible, but like other dogs, the Toy Poodle can also get sick. Cancer, bloat, ear infections, and obesity are common dog ailments.

Too many dog owners don’t realize the importance of healthy teeth. You need to look into the mouth of your pet regularly to make sure there are no rotting teeth. These problematic teeth can jeopardize the health of your pet.

Infection of teeth and gums can cause a host of other problems such as kidney and heart disease.

Check your Toy Poodle for parasites – fleas, ticks, worms as these can take a toll on your pet’s health. Your pet can become lethargic and the coat becomes listless, thin and dull. Your pet will also lose weight. Speak to your vet about treatments that can prevent these infestations.

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.

Caring The Pet

toy poodle dogs - caringMake sure to exercise your Toy Poodle every day. If you’re lucky to have a garden, play ball games with him, play hide and seek and take him for walks.

Brush your Toy Poodle twice a week. His curly coat can become a source of concern for you and then you can have his coat clipped short.

Provide your pet with training and socialization and get him used to walking on a leash.

Take your Toy Poodle for regular visits to the vet. There are some serious canine diseases that can kill your pet.

Provide your pet with a nice dry, peaceful sleeping area. He needs his own water and food bowls. Wash these regularly.

Provide your Toy Poodle with the best dog food there is. Try and go for natural foods free from colorants and fillers. Try and also give him some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Dogs like the same good foods which are simple and nutritious.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
France
Portugal
Height Male:
24 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
24 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
5 - 8
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
chocolate and black, brown, apricot, Cream
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
Long, thick and curly
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Poodle vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Poodle vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Poodle vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Poodle vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Poodle vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Toy Poodle vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Poodle vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Poodle vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Poodle vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Poodle vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Poodle vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Poodle vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Poodle vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Poodle vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Poodle vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Poodle vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Poodle vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Poodle vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Poodle vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Poodle vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Poodle vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Poodle vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Poodle vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Poodle vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Poodle vs Toy Bulldog - 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