A Detailed Comparison of the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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Boxer Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer 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 Boxer or the Portuguese Water Dog.

Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Boxer Portuguese Water Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1620 $2860
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $2500 – $3300
Temperament Score 83.9 percent 77.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boxer 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 Boxer is 73 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 Boxer. 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 Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

    • Boxers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Boxers 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.
    • Boxers are very easy to groom. However, Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog

    The Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:

    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Boxers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Boxers are 21 to 25 inches 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 Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Boxers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boxers 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 Boxers.

    Temperament of the Boxer Versus the Portuguese Water Dog

    The Boxer has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 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 83.9 percent, the Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 472 Boxers and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Boxer versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Boxer puppy is $1620. The price of the Boxer typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 636 Boxer 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 Boxer.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boxer and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Boxer puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boxers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs

    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 Boxer 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: Boxer versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Boxers do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boxers shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Boxers 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 Boxer or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Boxers 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 Boxer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Boxer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers 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 Boxers Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boxer vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    Boxers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boxer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boxers good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Boxers 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 Boxers and Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Boxers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Boxer Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Boxer Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boxer or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Boxers are OK for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boxer 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 Boxer and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.