Lhasa Apso vs Portuguese Water Dog
Non-Sporting · Small vs Working · Medium
Lhasa ApsoSmall
A confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside.
Weight: 12–18 lbsLifespan: 12–15 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 12–18 lbs for the Lhasa Apso.
- • The Lhasa Apso typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Lhasa Apso | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Working |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | Tibet | Portugal |
Height (male) | 10–11" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 10–11" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 12–18 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 12–18 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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About the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a confident, smart, comical Tibetan monastery sentinel — small but feels like a big dog inside. Originally from Tibet, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, smart, comical.
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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Lhasa Apso health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Eye disorders
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Skin issues
- • Kidney disease
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases