Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the Labrador Retriever to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Change Breed

General Details

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Type

Purebred

Allergy Friendly

Yes

Lifespan

10-12 Years

10-14 Years

Height

21-24 Inches

17-22 Inches

Weight

55-80 Pounds

35-60 Pounds

Intelligence

Above Average

History

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Origin Country

Canada

Portugal

Origin Year

1700 AD

1297 AD

Temperament

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Overall Friendliness

Above Average

Family Friendly

Above Average

Child Friendly

Above Average

Pet Friendly

Above Average

Stranger Friendly

Above Average

Average

Personality

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Traits

Affectionate

Loving

Snuggle

Willing to Please

Needy

Separation Anxiety

Willing to Please

Living Environment

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Apartment

Yes

Indoor

Yes

Small Yard

Yes

Medium Yard

Yes

Large Yard

Yes

Temperature Tolerance

30-90 °F

40-80 °F

Barks/Howls

Average

Exercise Needs

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Energy Level

High

High to Very High

Exercise Required

High

High to Very High

Top Running Speed

20 MPH

22 MPH

Strength

High

Grooming Needs

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Maintenance

Medium

Medium to High

Shedding

High

None

Dander

Medium

None to Low

Drool

Medium

None

Instincts and Behavior

Breed Mentality

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Dominant / Alpha

Family / Pack

Yes

Independent

Breed Focus

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Distracted Easy

Focused & Patient

Yes

Breed Instincts

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Aggression

None

Burrow / Digging

Below Average

Chasing

Below Average

Follow Commands

Average

Below Average

Fighting

None

Below Average

Guarding

None

Below Average

Herding

None

Hunting

Above Average

Below Average

Protection

None

Average

Remove Vermin

Below Average

None

Sled Pulling

Below Average

None

Watch / Guardian

Below Average

Above Average

Health Comparison

Lifespan

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Average Lifespan

10-12 Years

10-14 Years

Health Concerns

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Common Health Issues

Bloat

Cataracts

Hip dysplasia

Ear infections

Progressive retinal atrophy

Epilepsy

Elbow dysplasia

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Tricuspid valve dysplasia

Myopathy

Acute moist dermatitis

Cold tail

Addison's disease

Entropion

Cataracts

Hip dysplasia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Ectropion

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Irritable bowel syndrome

Gangliosidosis

Hair Loss

Appearance Comparison

Coat

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Type

Fur

Hair

Coat Layering

Double

Curly

Single

Coat Texture

Straight

Wavy

Coat Length

Short

Medium

Coat Coloring

Labrador Retriever

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Colors