Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Belgian Sheepdog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Belgian Sheepdog Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Belgian Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Belgian Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Belgian Sheepdog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Belgian Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 75 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1430 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1725 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 81.0 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is 83 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 Belgian Sheepdog. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
- Belgian Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Belgian Sheepdog Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Belgian Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Belgian Sheepdog is 81.0 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 81.0 percent, the Belgian Sheepdog has a below-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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 516 Belgian Sheepdogs and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog 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. 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 Belgian Sheepdog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Sheepdog and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Sheepdog puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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.
Health Problems of Belgian Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Belgian Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Belgian Sheepdog.
3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Sheepdogs and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems
Belgian Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Belgian Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Belgian Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs here.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog
Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.