Portuguese Water Dog vs Weimaraner
Working · Medium vs Sporting · 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
WeimaranerLarge
A friendly, fearless, obedient gundog with a striking silver-grey coat — the 'grey ghost' from Germany.
Weight: 70–90 lbsLifespan: 11–14 years
Quick take
- • Weimaraner is the larger breed at 70–90 lbs (males) vs 42–60 lbs for the Portuguese Water Dog.
- • The Weimaraner typically lives longer (11–14 years).
- • The Weimaraner has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Weimaraner |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Portugal | Germany |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 25–27" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 23–25" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 70–90 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 55–75 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 11–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Coat length | long | short |
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 Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a friendly, fearless, obedient gundog with a striking silver-grey coat — the 'grey ghost' from Germany. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70–90 lbs and lives 11–14 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, fearless, obedient.
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Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Weimaraner health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Von Willebrand's disease