Differences and Similarities between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Central Asian Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 28 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 88 to 110 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $3490 $2860
Price Range $2500 – $2700 $2500 – $3300
Temperament Score 91.7 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 74 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog. 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Water Dogs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs not very playful. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are very playful.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs weigh 88 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 28 inches 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 24 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppy is $3490. The price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $2700. However, the price of a Central Asian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 21 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $3490 $2860
    Price Range $2500 to $2700 $2500 to $3300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs. 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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: Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Central Asian Shepherd Dogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Central Asian Shepherd 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog:

  • Kuvasz (71 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Kuvasz.
  • Maremma Sheepdog (75 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Maremma Sheepdog.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (74 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (70 percent match with Central Asian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Boerboel.

    • 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:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Chinese Crested     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Toy Poodle     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Samoyed     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Pug     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Dachshund     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Bolognese     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Chorkie     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Afador     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Toy Poodle     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Mastiff     Central Asian Shepherd Dog versus Shihpoo     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Borzoi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Carolina Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus King Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Puli     Portuguese Water Dog versus Rottweiler     Portuguese Water Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond     Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Water Dog versus Papillon     

    Conclusion: Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.