Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Herding · Medium vs Working · Medium
Australian Cattle DogMedium
An alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise.
Weight: 35–50 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
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Working |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Australia | Portugal |
Height (male) | 18–20" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 17–19" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 35–50 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.
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.
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Australian Cattle Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Deafness
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases