Comparison: Portuguese Water Dog and Wetterhoun

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

Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
Wetterhoun
Photo: mjk23, CC BY 2.0, source
Portuguese Water DogWetterhoun
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originPortugalNetherlands
CategoryMediumLarge
Height at withers43–57 cm55–59 cm
Weight16–25 kg28–34 kg
Life span11–14 years–
Recognition features
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
  • Square, compact and powerful build
  • Dense, firm, curly coat that feels greasy
  • Tail rolled into a spiral and carried over the croup
CoatCurly or wavy non-shedding coat.Dense curls formed of firm bundles of hair, quite coarse and greasy to the touch; head and legs with short hair. Solid black or solid brown with white on the chest and/or toes; patches, ticking and roan allowed.
PurposePortuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.A hunting and water dog traditionally used on otter, and a watchful yard guardian keen on vermin.

Breed page: Portuguese Water Dog · Breed page: Wetterhoun

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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.