Miniature Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog

Non-Sporting · Small vs Working · Medium

Quick take
  • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 10–15 lbs for the Miniature Poodle.
  • The Miniature Poodle typically lives longer (10–18 years).

Side-by-side traits

TraitMiniature PoodlePortuguese Water Dog
Group
Non-SportingWorking
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
GermanyPortugal
Height (male)
11–15"20–23"
Height (female)
11–15"17–21"
Weight (male)
10–15 lbs42–60 lbs
Weight (female)
10–15 lbs35–50 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–18 years11–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)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.
Moderate (3/5)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.
Moderate (3/5)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
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is an active, proud, very smart smaller version of the Standard Poodle — circus star of yesteryear. Originally from Germany, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–15 lbs and lives 10–18 years. Breeders describe them as active, proud, very smart.

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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Miniature Poodle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes

Portuguese Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Storage diseases