Portuguese Water Dog vs Spanish Water Dog

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Portuguese Water Dog
Category
Spanish Water Dog

📏 Physical Stats

35 - 60
Weight (lbs)
30 - 50
17 - 23
Height (inches)
16 - 20
11 - 13 years
Life Expectancy
12 - 15 years
Working
Breed Group
Sporting
Portugal
Origin
Spain
Water work, fishing assistance, retrieving
Bred For
Herding flocks of sheep and goats from one pasture to another

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
5/5
Better
5/5
Better
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Better
Good with Children
3/5
4/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
Better
4/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
Better

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,775
Portuguese Water Dog
vs
Annual Cost
$2,427
Spanish Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Expense
Spanish Water Dog
$2,775
Annual Cost
$2,427
Lower ✓
$3,495
First Year
$3,147
Lower ✓
$34,020
Lifetime Total
$33,485
Lower ✓
$552
Food (annual)
$552
$630
Vet Care (annual)
$630
$704
Grooming (annual)
$560
Lower ✓
$864
Insurance (annual)
$660
Lower ✓
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$55
Lower ✓

Over their lifetimes, a Spanish Water Dog (~14 yrs) costs approximately $535 less than a Portuguese Water Dog (~12 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Portuguese Water Dog

Adventurous, Athletic, Loyal, Spirited, Intelligent, Obedient, Docile, Impetuous, Energetic, Affectionate

Spanish Water Dog

Diligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Playful