Portuguese Water Dog vs Rottweiler
Working · Medium vs Working · Large
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
RottweilerLarge
A loyal, loving, confident guardian — descendant of Roman drover dogs, requires firm training.
Weight: 95–135 lbsLifespan: 9–10 years
Quick take
- • Rottweiler is the larger breed at 95–135 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog typically lives longer (11–13 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Working |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Portugal | Germany |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 24–27" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 22–25" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 95–135 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 80–100 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 9–10 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a loyal, loving, confident guardian — descendant of Roman drover dogs, requires firm training. Originally from Germany, this large working breed typically weighs 95–135 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, loving, confident guardian.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Rottweiler health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Cancer
- • Bloat