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

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Labradoodle Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog

Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labradoodle 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.

Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Labradoodle Portuguese Water Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 65 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1640 $2860
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle is 94 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 Labradoodle is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Labradoodle!

    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 Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Labradoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

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

    Labradoodles live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Labradoodle versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle.

    Labradoodle Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $1640 $2860
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $2500 to $3300

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles. 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 Labradoodle 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.

    Adopting the Labradoodle versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle named Ny-Pluto Adopted! that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Labradoodles like Ny-Pluto Adopted! on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Labradoodles, Portuguese Water Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Ziggy is a Male Portuguese Water Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Portuguese Water Dogs like Ziggy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Labradoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Fynn-Oh is the name of another Labradoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Labradoodles and Portuguese Water Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labradoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Labradoodles shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Labradoodle or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labradoodle vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

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

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

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

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

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

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

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Goldador.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs French Spaniel.
  • 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 Labradoodle vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Bloodhound     Labradoodle versus Berger Picard     Labradoodle versus Whoodle     Labradoodle versus Lancashire Heeler     Labradoodle versus Boston Terrier     Labradoodle versus Whoodle     Labradoodle versus Pekingese     Labradoodle versus Pyredoodle     Labradoodle versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Labradoodle versus Italian Greyhound     Labradoodle versus Mountain Cur     Labradoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog     Labradoodle versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Labradoodle versus Mountain Cur     Labradoodle versus Sloughi     Labradoodle versus Irish Setter     Labradoodle versus Puli     Labradoodle versus Sheepadoodle     Labradoodle versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Labradoodle versus Bouvier des Flandres     Labradoodle versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Labradoodle versus Shichon     Labradoodle versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Labradoodle versus Brittany     Labradoodle versus Puggle     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Keeshond     Portuguese Water Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shihpoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh     Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pharaoh Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Afghan Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     

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