Portuguese Water Dog vs Puggle

Working · Medium vs Miscellaneous · Small

Quick take
  • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 18–30 lbs for the Puggle.
  • The Puggle typically lives longer (10–15 years).
  • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
  • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitPortuguese Water DogPuggle
Group
WorkingMiscellaneous
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
PortugalUSA
Height (male)
20–23"13–15"
Height (female)
17–21"13–15"
Weight (male)
42–60 lbs18–30 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs18–30 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
11–13 years10–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
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)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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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.

About the Puggle

The Puggle is a friendly, sociable, playful Pug × Beagle hybrid — pug face, beagle personality, perfect city dog. Originally from USA, this small miscellaneous breed typically weighs 18–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, sociable, playful.

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Portuguese Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Storage diseases

Puggle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Eye disorders