Differences and Similarities between the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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Pomsky Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

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

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

Pomsky versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pomsky belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Pomsky versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Pomsky Portuguese Water Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
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
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Weight 7 to 38 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2270 $2860
Price Range $1500 – $2995 $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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky is 76 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 Pomsky. 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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog

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

  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pomsky versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Pomskys weigh 7 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Pomskys are 10 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pomsky versus Portuguese Water Dog

    The lifespan of Pomskys is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pomskys 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.

    Pomskys live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Pomsky versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog

    The average price of the Pomsky puppy is $2270. The price of the Pomsky typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of a Pomsky can be as low as $500 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 823 Pomsky 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 Pomsky.

    Pomsky Portuguese Water Dog
    Average Price $2270 $2860
    Price Range $1500 to $2995 $2500 to $3300

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomskys. 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 Pomsky puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomsky versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Pomskys do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomskys shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Pomskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Pomskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomsky vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Pomskys get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys and Portuguese Water Dogs?

    Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Pomskys are fairly easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

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

    Pomskys adapt very well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky

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

  • Pomeranian (78 percent match with Pomsky). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Pomeranian.
  • 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 Pomsky vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Pomsky vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pomsky Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pomsky versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pomsky versus Irish Terrier     Pomsky versus Field Spaniel     Pomsky versus French Spaniel     Pomsky versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pomsky versus Whippet     Pomsky versus Bulldog     Pomsky versus Chow Chow     Pomsky versus Greyhound     Pomsky versus Bracco Italiano     Pomsky versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pomsky versus Whoodle     Pomsky versus Irish Terrier     Pomsky versus Saluki     Pomsky versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pomsky versus Westiepoo     Pomsky versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pomsky versus Bernedoodle     Pomsky versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pomsky versus Chow Chow     Pomsky versus Australian Kelpie     Pomsky versus Vizsla     Pomsky versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pomsky versus Spanish Mastiff     Pomsky versus Norwich Terrier     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Standard Poodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh     Portuguese Water Dog versus Affenpinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Portuguese Water Dog versus Plott     Portuguese Water Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Portuguese Water Dog versus Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pharaoh Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bullmastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiranian     Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Water Dog versus Komondor     Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Collie     

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