Dalmatian vs Portuguese Water Dog
Non-Sporting · Medium vs Working · Medium
DalmatianMedium
A dignified, smart, outgoing spotted coach dog — 101 Dalmatians, original carriage and firehouse dog.
Weight: 45–70 lbsLifespan: 11–13 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
- • Dalmatian is the larger breed at 45–70 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Dalmatian has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Dalmatian | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Working |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Croatia | Portugal |
Height (male) | 19–24" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 19–24" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 45–70 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–70 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | 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. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a dignified, smart, outgoing spotted coach dog — 101 Dalmatians, original carriage and firehouse dog. Originally from Croatia, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as dignified, smart, outgoing.
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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Dalmatian health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Deafness
- • Urinary stones
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Skin allergies
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases