Portuguese Water Dog vs Whippet
Working · Medium vs Hound · 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
WhippetMedium
An affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too.
Weight: 25–40 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed at 42–60 lbs (males) vs 25–40 lbs for the Whippet.
- • The Whippet typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less.
- • The Portuguese Water Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Hound |
Size | Medium | Medium |
Origin | Portugal | England |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 19–22" |
Height (female) | 17–21" | 18–21" |
Weight (male) | 42–60 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | 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) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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 Whippet
The Whippet is an affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too. Originally from England, this medium hound breed typically weighs 25–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, playful, calm.
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Portuguese Water Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Storage diseases
Whippet health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions
- • Anesthesia sensitivity