American Staffordshire Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog
Terrier · Medium vs Working · Medium
American Staffordshire TerrierMedium
A confident, smart, good-natured terrier — the AmStaff, larger cousin of the Staffy.
Weight: 55–70 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Portuguese Water DogMedium
An affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets.
Weight: 42–60 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • American Staffordshire Terrier is the larger breed at 55–70 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The American Staffordshire Terrier typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | American Staffordshire Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Working |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | USA | Portugal |
Height (male) | 18–19" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 17–18" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 55–70 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–55 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident, smart, good-natured terrier — the AmStaff, larger cousin of the Staffy. Originally from USA, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, good-natured.
About the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate, athletic, smart fisherman's dog — Bo Obama's breed, swims and herds fish into nets. Originally from Portugal, this medium working breed typically weighs 42–60 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, athletic, smart.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
American Staffordshire Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Skin allergies
- • Cerebellar ataxia
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases