Portuguese Water Dog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Working · Medium vs Terrier · Medium
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
Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierMedium
A happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier.
Weight: 35–40 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 35–40 lbs for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
- • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Terrier |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Portugal | Ireland |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 18–19" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 17–18" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 35–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 30–35 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) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | 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. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 35–40 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as happy, steady, self-confident.
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Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Renal dysplasia
- • Protein-losing diseases
- • Addison's disease