Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lhasa Apso Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Lhasa Apso
- Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Adopting the Lhasa Apso versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Lhasa Apso versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Lhasa Apsos and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lhasa Apso Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lhasa Apso is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Lhasa Apso belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Lhasa Apso | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 12 to 15 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 11 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 | $1780 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $1996 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 70.4 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 71 | 50 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 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 Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos 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.
Lhasa Apsos live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Lhasa Apso
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 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 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 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 27 Lhasa Apsos and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of a Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso.
| Lhasa Apso | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1780 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $1996 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Lhasa Apso and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Lhasa Apso puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos. 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso versus Adopting the Portuguese Water Dog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso named Tramp that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lhasa Apsos like Tramp on pefinder.com.
Also, like Lhasa Apsos, 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.
Max is the name of another Lhasa Apso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Lhasa Apsos and Portuguese Water Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is 71 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lhasa Apso
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
| Year | Lhasa Apso Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 63 | 49 |
| 2014 | 67 | 52 |
| 2015 | 65 | 52 |
| 2016 | 71 | 51 |
| 2017 | 77 | 54 |
| 2018 | 71 | 50 |
| 2019 | 78 | 49 |
| 2020 | 78 | 49 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Lhasa Apso versus Portuguese Water Dog
Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Lhasa Apsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Lhasa Apso Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lhasa Apso or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso:
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 Lhasa Apso and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lhasa Apso and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso versus Yorkshire Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Jack Russell Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Bulldog Lhasa Apso versus Welsh Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Lhasa Apso versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Lhasa Apso versus Tibetan Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Irish Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso versus Toy Fox Terrier Lhasa Apso versus Mudi Lhasa Apso versus Borzoi Lhasa Apso versus Borzoi Lhasa Apso versus Havanese Lhasa Apso versus Bearded Collie Lhasa Apso versus Neapolitan Mastiff Lhasa Apso versus Bearded Collie Lhasa Apso versus Mal Shi Lhasa Apso versus King Shepherd Lhasa Apso versus Westiepoo Lhasa Apso versus Border Collie Lhasa Apso versus Great Pyrenees Lhasa Apso versus Pharaoh Hound Lhasa Apso versus Mudi
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Swedish Vallhund Portuguese Water Dog versus Brussels Griffon Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland Portuguese Water Dog versus Carolina Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavapoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Schipperke Portuguese Water Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Patterdale Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Fila Brasileiro Portuguese Water Dog versus Cane Corso Portuguese Water Dog versus Saluki Portuguese Water Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Portuguese Water Dog versus Barbet Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Portuguese Water Dog versus Havanese Portuguese Water Dog versus Boston Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Papipoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Welsh Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel
Conclusion: Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.