Portuguese Water Dog vs Shiba Inu
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
Shiba InuSmall
An alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme.
Weight: 23 lbsLifespan: 13–16 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
- • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Portugal | Japan |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 14.5–16.5" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 13.5–15.5" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 23 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 13–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
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) | 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) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | 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 |
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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 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.
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Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Shiba Inu health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies