Golden Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Sporting · Large vs Working · Medium
Golden RetrieverLarge
A friendly, intelligent, devoted gundog — the all-American family dog with a golden coat.
Weight: 65–75 lbsLifespan: 10–12 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
- • Golden Retriever is the larger breed at 65–75 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog typically lives longer (11–13 years).
- • The Golden Retriever has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Working |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Scotland | Portugal |
Height (male) | 23–24" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 21.5–22.5" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 65–75 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 55–65 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–12 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. | Very High (5/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a friendly, intelligent, devoted gundog — the all-American family dog with a golden coat. Originally from Scotland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, intelligent, devoted.
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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Golden Retriever health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Skin conditions
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases