Portuguese Water Dog vs Schipperke
Working · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Schipperke typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Portugal | Belgium |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | medium |
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 Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism