Comparison: Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog

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

Poodle
Photo: John Leslie from London, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
PoodlePortuguese Water Dog
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originFrancePortugal
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers24–60 cm43–57 cm
Weight3–32 kg16–25 kg
Life span12–15 years11–14 years
Recognition features
  • Curly non-shedding coat in typical clips
  • Long fine head and drop ears
  • Tail carried high
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
CoatDense, curly, wooly coat.Curly or wavy non-shedding coat.
PurposeOriginally a German and French water retriever; later an elegant companion and show dog in standard, medium, miniature and toy sizes.Portuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.

Breed page: Poodle · 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.