A Detailed Comparison of the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chi-Poo Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

Chi-Poo versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chi-Poo is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chi-Poo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Chi-Poo versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Chi-Poo Portuguese Water Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Height 5 to 15 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Weight 5 to 20 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1120 $2860
Price Range $800 – $1500 $2500 – $3300
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 Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo is 90 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 Chi-Poo is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Chi-Poo!

    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 Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Chi-Poos have low exercise needs. However, Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • The Similarities Between the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chi-Poo versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Chi-Poos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Chi-Poos are 5 to 15 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 Chi-Poo versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Chi-Poos is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Chi-Poos 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.

    Chi-Poos live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Chi-Poo versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Chi-Poo puppy is $1120. The price of the Chi-Poo typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Chi-Poo can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 135 Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo.

    Chi-Poo Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $1120 $2860
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $2500 to $3300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos. 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 Chi-Poo 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: Chi-Poo versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Chi-Poos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chi-Poos shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Chi-Poos do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Chi-Poo or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Chi-Poos 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 Chi-Poo or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Chi-Poo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos 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 Chi-Poos Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Chi-Poos bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chi-Poos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chi-Poos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chi-Poo vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    Chi-Poos 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 Chi-Poos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chi-Poos 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 Chi-Poo or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chi-Poos good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Chi-Poos 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 Chi-Poos and Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Chi-Poos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chi-Poo Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Chi-Poo Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chi-Poo or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Chi-Poos are very good for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chi-Poo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo:

  • Cockapoo (77 percent match with Chi-Poo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Cockapoo.
  • Maltipoo (77 percent match with Chi-Poo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Maltipoo.
  • Yorkipoo (77 percent match with Chi-Poo). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkipoo.
  • 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 Chi-Poo vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Chi-Poo vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chi-Poo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chi-Poo versus Borzoi     Chi-Poo versus Toy Poodle     Chi-Poo versus Papillon     Chi-Poo versus Spanish Mastiff     Chi-Poo versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Chi-Poo versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Chi-Poo versus Saint Bernard     Chi-Poo versus Yorkipoo     Chi-Poo versus Golden Retriever     Chi-Poo versus Shih Tzu     Chi-Poo versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Chi-Poo versus Kuvasz     Chi-Poo versus Frenchton     Chi-Poo versus Bracco Italiano     Chi-Poo versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Chi-Poo versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Chi-Poo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Chi-Poo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Chi-Poo versus Spinone Italiano     Chi-Poo versus Pomsky     Chi-Poo versus Harrier     Chi-Poo versus German Longhaired Pointer     Chi-Poo versus Saint Berdoodle     Chi-Poo versus English Cocker Spaniel     Chi-Poo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Skye Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Water Dog versus Plott     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavachon     Portuguese Water Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavapoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernedoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shichon     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kai Ken     

    Conclusion: Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.