Poodle (Standard) vs Portuguese Water Dog
Non-Sporting · Large vs Working · Medium
Poodle (Standard)Large
An elegant, athletic, and exceptionally intelligent water dog — far more than its show-ring image suggests.
Weight: 60–70 lbsLifespan: 10–18 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
- • Poodle (Standard) is the larger breed at 60–70 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Poodle (Standard) typically lives longer (10–18 years).
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Poodle (Standard) | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Working |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Germany | Portugal |
Height (male) | 18–24" | 20–23" |
Height (female) | 18–24" | 17–21" |
Weight (male) | 60–70 lbs | 42–60 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–50 lbs | 35–50 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–18 years | 11–13 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. | High (4/5) | 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 | Very High (5/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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About the Poodle (Standard)
The Poodle (Standard) is an elegant, athletic, and exceptionally intelligent water dog — far more than its show-ring image suggests. Originally from Germany, this large non-sporting breed typically weighs 60–70 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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Poodle (Standard) health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Addison's disease
- • Eye disorders
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases