Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Dachshund
- Price of Dachshund versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog
Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund 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.
| Factor | Dachshund | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 11 | 50 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Dachshund. 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Dachshund
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Dachshund.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 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 they 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 69.4 percent, the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 49 Dachshunds and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Dachshund versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund 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 a 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 Dachshund.
| Dachshund | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1730 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dachshund and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dachshund puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. 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 Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Dachshund versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds and many Portuguese Water Dogs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Dachshund named Max that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Max on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dachshunds, Portuguese Water Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Jasper is a Male Portuguese Water Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Portuguese Water Dogs like Jasper that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Chunker is the name of another Dachshund (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Dachshunds and Portuguese Water Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Dachshund versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dachshund is more popular with dog owners than the Portuguese Water Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dachshund is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dachshund
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
| Year | Dachshund Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 10 | 49 |
| 2014 | 11 | 52 |
| 2015 | 13 | 52 |
| 2016 | 13 | 51 |
| 2017 | 13 | 54 |
| 2018 | 12 | 50 |
| 2019 | 11 | 49 |
| 2020 | 10 | 49 |
Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Dachshund.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund 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 Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund 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 Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dachshunds and Portuguese Water Dogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.
This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dachshund and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | 15 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | 59 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | 140 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 161 out of 198 dog breeds | 94 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Early Onset Pra problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 111 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Portuguese Water Dog
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Dachshunds 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund 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 Dachshund:
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 Dachshund and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus Harrier Dachshund versus German Longhaired Pointer Dachshund versus Welsh Terrier Dachshund versus Mudi Dachshund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Dachshund versus Sloughi Dachshund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Dachshund versus Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund versus Kuvasz Dachshund versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Carolina Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Portuguese Water Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano Portuguese Water Dog versus Saluki Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier
Conclusion: Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.