King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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King Shepherd Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog

King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor King Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog
Life Span 10 to 11 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 25 to 31 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 150 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1560 $2860
Price Range $700 – $2500 $2500 – $3300
Temperament Score 100.0 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd is 84 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 not better or worse than the King Shepherd. So, you can get the Portuguese Water Dog or the King Shepherd!

    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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • King Shepherds 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.
  • King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 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 King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the King Shepherd

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

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 1 King Shepherds and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of King Shepherd versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of a King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 34 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd.

    King Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $1560 $2860
    Price Range $700 to $2500 $2500 to $3300

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. 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 King Shepherd 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: King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do King Shepherds shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd or the Portuguese Water Dog

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

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

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

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

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

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    King Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: King Shepherd vs. Portuguese Water Dog

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are King Shepherds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds and Portuguese Water Dogs?

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the King Shepherd Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

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

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd

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

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 King Shepherd vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano     King Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     King Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle     King Shepherd versus Briard     King Shepherd versus Cockalier     King Shepherd versus Saluki     King Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     King Shepherd versus Shihpoo     King Shepherd versus Bolognese     King Shepherd versus Boxer     King Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     King Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     King Shepherd versus English Setter     King Shepherd versus Mountain Cur     King Shepherd versus Vizsla     King Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Papillon     King Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog     King Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     King Shepherd versus Japanese Chin     King Shepherd versus Boykin Spaniel     King Shepherd versus American Bulldog     King Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog     King Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     King Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiba Inu     Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenpinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Briard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinook     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasapoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Collie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Briard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schnoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pug     Portuguese Water Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basenji     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kuvasz     Portuguese Water Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     

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