Comparison: Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog

Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Golden Retriever
Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
Golden RetrieverPortuguese Water Dog
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomPortugal
CategoryLargeMedium
Height at withers51–61 cm43–57 cm
Weight25–34 kg16–25 kg
Life span10–12 years11–14 years
Recognition features
  • Medium-long golden to cream coat with feathering
  • Gentle head, dark eyes and drop ears
  • Level back and feathered tail
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
CoatMedium-long flat or wavy, water-repellent coat.Curly or wavy non-shedding coat.
PurposeDeveloped by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century as a retriever of waterfowl.Portuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.

Breed page: Golden Retriever · Breed page: Portuguese Water Dog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.