Spanish Water Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog

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

Spanish Water Dog
Category
Portuguese Water Dog

📏 Physical Stats

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

⚡ Temperament & Traits

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

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

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

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

Spanish Water Dog

Diligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Intelligent, Playful

Portuguese Water Dog

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