Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Komondor Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Komondor
- Price of Komondor versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Komondors shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Komondor Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor 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 Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Komondor 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.
Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog
Factor | Komondor | Portuguese Water Dog |
---|---|---|
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Height | 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
Average Price | $840 | $2860 |
Price Range | $550 – $800 | $2500 – $3300 |
Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 77.9 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 170 | 50 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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.
Lifespan of Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 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 Komondors.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Komondor
The Komondor has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Komondor versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.
Komondor | Portuguese Water Dog | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $840 | $2860 |
Price Range | $550 to $800 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Komondor and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Komondor puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.
The Popularity of Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Komondor
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Year | Komondor Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 159 | 49 |
2014 | 168 | 52 |
2015 | 163 | 52 |
2016 | 177 | 51 |
2017 | 163 | 54 |
2018 | 173 | 50 |
2019 | 181 | 49 |
2020 | 178 | 49 |
Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Komondor 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 Komondor.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Komondor.
3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
Komondor Health Problems
Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor 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 Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor 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 Komondors for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors 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 Komondors 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 Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors 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 Komondor and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog:
Disease | Komondor Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
---|---|---|
Eyes problems | 19 out of 182 dog breeds | 140 out of 182 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 30 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
Hips problems | 90 out of 198 dog breeds | 94 out of 198 dog breeds |
Early Onset Pra problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 15 out of 32 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 59 out of 115 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Portuguese Water Dog
Komondors do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Komondors shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Komondors shed moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog
Komondors 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 Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Komondors 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.
Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Komondors 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 Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Komondors 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 Komondors and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Komondors 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 Komondor Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Komondors 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 Komondor
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor 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 Komondor:
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 Komondor and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds
Komondor versus Plott Komondor versus West Highland White Terrier Komondor versus Yorkipoo Komondor versus Westiepoo Komondor versus Fila Brasileiro Komondor versus Bedlington Terrier Komondor versus Cavapoo Komondor versus American Bulldog Komondor versus Bouvier des Flandres Komondor versus Saint Berdoodle Komondor versus Fila Brasileiro Komondor versus Chi-Poo Komondor versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Komondor versus Kishu Ken Komondor versus Irish Terrier Komondor versus Catahoula Bulldog Komondor versus Dogo Argentino Komondor versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Komondor versus Field Spaniel Komondor versus Tibetan Spaniel Komondor versus Golden Retriever Komondor versus Beaglier Komondor versus Shih Tzu Komondor versus Frenchton Komondor versus Stabyhoun
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed Portuguese Water Dog versus American Hairless Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogo Argentino Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog versus Labradoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog Portuguese Water Dog versus Bloodhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltese Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiranian Portuguese Water Dog versus Gordon Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Cane Corso Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Portuguese Water Dog versus Chi-Poo Portuguese Water Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres Portuguese Water Dog versus Field Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Pekingese Portuguese Water Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh Portuguese Water Dog versus German Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Bolognese
Conclusion: Komondor 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 Komondor and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.