Portuguese Water Dog vs Toy Poodle
Working · Medium vs Toy · Toy
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
Toy PoodleToy
An active, intelligent, lively toy version of the Poodle — apartment-friendly hypoallergenic charmer.
Weight: 4–6 lbsLifespan: 10–18 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 4–6 lbs for the Toy Poodle.
- • The Toy Poodle typically lives longer (10–18 years).
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Toy Poodle |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Toy |
Size | Medium | Toy |
Origin | Portugal | Germany |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 9–10" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 9–10" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 4–6 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 4–6 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 10–18 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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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 Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is an active, intelligent, lively toy version of the Poodle — apartment-friendly hypoallergenic charmer. Originally from Germany, this toy toy breed typically weighs 4–6 lbs and lives 10–18 years. Breeders describe them as active, intelligent, lively.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Toy Poodle health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Tracheal collapse
- • Eye disorders
- • Dental issues