Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Papillon Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Papillon Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Papillon versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Papillon versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Papillon versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Papillons shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Papillon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Papillons Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Papillons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Papillon vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Papillons good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Papillons and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Papillon Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Papillon
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Papillon Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Papillon is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Papillon 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.
Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Papillon | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1800 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2000 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Temperament Score | 82.3 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 49 | 50 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Papillon 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 Papillon is 89 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 Papillon is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Papillon!
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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 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 Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Papillons live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Papillon Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Papillon has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Papillon is 82.3 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 82.3 percent, the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 96 Papillons and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Papillon versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Papillon puppy is $1800. The price of the Papillon typically ranges from $1400 – $2000. However, the price of a Papillon can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 108 Papillon 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 Papillon.
| Papillon | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1800 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $2000 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Papillon and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Papillon puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Papillons. 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 Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Papillon is more popular with dog owners than the Portuguese Water Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Papillon is 49 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Papillon
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
| Year | Papillon Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 38 | 49 |
| 2014 | 43 | 52 |
| 2015 | 48 | 52 |
| 2016 | 53 | 51 |
| 2017 | 53 | 54 |
| 2018 | 54 | 50 |
| 2019 | 53 | 49 |
| 2020 | 53 | 49 |
Health Problems of Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Papillon.
2 health tests are recommended for Papillon while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Papillons and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
Papillon Health Problems
Papillons are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Papillon 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 Papillon puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Papillon 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 Papillons for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Papillons 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 Papillons 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 Papillon Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Papillon ranks 55 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2362 Papillons, 70 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Papillons, and how common these diseases are in Papillons 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 Papillon and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog:
| Disease | Papillon Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 55 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 67 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 148 out of 182 dog breeds | 140 out of 182 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 |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 94 out of 198 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: Papillon versus Portuguese Water Dog
Papillons do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Papillons shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Papillons do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog
Papillons 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 Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons are moderately easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Papillon Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons 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 Papillons Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Papillons are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Papillons Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Papillon vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Papillons 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 Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Papillons 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 Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Papillons good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Papillons 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 Papillons and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Papillons 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 Papillon Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Papillon Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Papillon or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Papillons are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Papillon
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Papillon 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 Papillon:
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 Papillon and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Papillon and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds
Papillon versus Canaan Dog Papillon versus Whippet Papillon versus Ibizan Hound Papillon versus Spinone Italiano Papillon versus Belgian Malinois Papillon versus Chinese Crested Papillon versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Papillon versus Chow Chow Papillon versus West Highland White Terrier Papillon versus Whoodle Papillon versus Vizsla Papillon versus Whoodle Papillon versus Bull Terrier Papillon versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Papillon versus Miniature Pinscher Papillon versus Miniature Poodle Papillon versus Bluetick Coonhound Papillon versus Jack Russell Terrier Papillon versus Black and Tan Coonhound Papillon versus Mudi Papillon versus American Eskimo Dog Papillon versus Dutch Shepherd Papillon versus Papipoo Papillon versus American Water Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Canaan Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Swedish Vallhund Portuguese Water Dog versus Giant Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog versus Portuguese Pointer Portuguese Water Dog versus Sloughi Portuguese Water Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Dalmatian Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Portuguese Water Dog versus West Highland White Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher Portuguese Water Dog versus Cane Corso Portuguese Water Dog versus Cockapoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiranian Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger Portuguese Water Dog versus Rottweiler Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Malinois Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Tervuren Portuguese Water Dog versus Beaglier Portuguese Water Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Afghan Hound Portuguese Water Dog versus King Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Kooikerhondje Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger
Conclusion: Papillon 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 Papillon and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.