Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Portuguese Water Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Portuguese Water Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | American Pit Bull Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $400 – $1200 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 87.4 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Portuguese Water Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog
The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog.
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $400 to $1200 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Portuguese Water Dog
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Portuguese Water Dogs?
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli American Pit Bull Terrier versus Keeshond American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavapoo American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound American Pit Bull Terrier versus Valley Bulldog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogo Argentino American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogo Argentino American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Morkie American Pit Bull Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel American Pit Bull Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier versus Hovawart American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shih Tzu American Pit Bull Terrier versus Welsh Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyredoodle
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Whoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus German Pinscher Portuguese Water Dog versus English Springer Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Bedlington Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus German Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Silky Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bich Poo Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogo Argentino Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi Portuguese Water Dog versus Rottweiler Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres Portuguese Water Dog versus Chi-Poo Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyredoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Saluki Portuguese Water Dog versus Whoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua Portuguese Water Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli Portuguese Water Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Water Dog versus Pekingese Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound
Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.