Cane Corso vs Portuguese Water Dog
Working · Large vs Working · Medium
Cane CorsoLarge
An assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector.
Weight: 99–110 lbsLifespan: 9–12 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
- • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog typically lives longer (11–13 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cane Corso | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Working |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Italy | Portugal |
Height (male) | 25–27.5" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 23.5–26" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 99–110 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 88–99 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–12 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. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.
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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Cane Corso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Eye problems
- • Cherry eye
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases