Is the Frenchton Better than the Portuguese Water Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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Frenchton Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

Frenchton versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Frenchton 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.

Frenchton versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Frenchton Portuguese Water Dog
Height 11 to 14 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 15 to 25 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2130 $2860
Price Range $1650 – $2500 $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 Frenchton 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 Frenchton is 95 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 Frenchton is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Frenchton!

    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 Frenchton 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 Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Frenchtons are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Frenchtons 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.
  • Frenchtons 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 Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Frenchton 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 Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Frenchton and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Frenchton versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Frenchtons weigh 15 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Frenchtons are 11 to 14 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 Frenchton versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Frenchtons is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Frenchtons 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.

    Frenchtons live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Frenchton versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Frenchton puppy is $2130. The price of the Frenchton typically ranges from $1650 – $2500. However, the price of a Frenchton can be as low as $800 and as high as $8000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 230 Frenchton 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 Frenchton.

    Frenchton Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $2130 $2860
    Price Range $1650 to $2500 $2500 to $3300

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Frenchtons. 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 Frenchton 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: Frenchton versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Frenchtons do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Frenchtons shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Frenchtons 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 Frenchton or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Frenchtons drool moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Frenchton or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Frenchtons are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Frenchtons bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Frenchtons can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Frenchton vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    Frenchtons 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 Frenchtons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Frenchtons 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 Frenchton or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Frenchtons get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Frenchtons 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 Frenchtons and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

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

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

    Frenchtons are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

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

    Frenchtons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Frenchtons are very good for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Frenchton

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Frenchton 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 Frenchton:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (77 percent match with Frenchton). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (75 percent match with Frenchton). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (77 percent match with Frenchton). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • 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 Frenchton vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Frenchton vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Frenchton Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Frenchton versus Bernedoodle     Frenchton versus Japanese Chin     Frenchton versus Collie     Frenchton versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Frenchton versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Frenchton versus Bloodhound     Frenchton versus Border Collie     Frenchton versus Afghan Hound     Frenchton versus Labradoodle     Frenchton versus Spinone Italiano     Frenchton versus Barbet     Frenchton versus Lakeland Terrier     Frenchton versus Bouvier des Flandres     Frenchton versus Akita     Frenchton versus Xoloitzcuintli     Frenchton versus Great Pyrenees     Frenchton versus Australian Terrier     Frenchton versus Kai Ken     Frenchton versus Komondor     Frenchton versus Bull Terrier     Frenchton versus Airedale Terrier     Frenchton versus Basset Hound     Frenchton versus German Shepherd Dog     Frenchton versus English Cocker Spaniel     Frenchton versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Briard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus German Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltese     Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenhuahua     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomchi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger     Portuguese Water Dog versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyredoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinook     

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