Breed Comparison: Portuguese Water Dog Versus Puggle

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Portuguese Water Dog Versus Puggle: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle 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 Portuguese Water Dog and for the Puggle. 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Portuguese Water Dog or the Puggle.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle

Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Puggle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog to the Puggle 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle

Factor Portuguese Water Dog Puggle
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 60 pounds 18 to 30 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2860 $1330
Price Range $2500 – $3300 $995 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • 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
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Puggle. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Puggle is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puggle is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Puggle!

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

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle

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

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

  • Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Puggles are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle

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

  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Puggle get along well with other dogs.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle

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

    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.

    On the other hand, Puggles weigh 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Puggles are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle

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

    The lifespan of Puggles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Puggles is 12.5 years.

    Puggles live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.

    Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Puggle

    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 a Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Puggle puppy is $1330. The price of the Puggle typically ranges from $995 – $1400. However, the price of the Puggle can be as low as $400 and as high as $5125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 145 Puggle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Puggle.

    Portuguese Water Dog Puggle
    Average Price $2860 $1330
    Price Range $2500 to $3300 $995 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Portuguese Water Dog puppy or the Puggle 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: Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Puggles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Puggles?

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

    Puggles shed moderately.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Puggles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Puggle?

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

    Puggles are very easy to groom.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Puggles 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.

    Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Puggles?

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

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

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Puggles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Puggle

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Puggles have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Puggles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Puggle?

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Puggles get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Puggles are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Puggles?

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

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

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Puggles are not easy to train.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Puggles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Puggles are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Puggle vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Puggle vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puggle

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

  • Beaglier (75 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Beaglier.
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (71 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Saint Berdoodle (72 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Saint Berdoodle.
  • Skye Terrier (70 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Skye Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Spinone Italiano     Portuguese Water Dog versus Berger Picard     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schipperke     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bearded Collie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Hound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Portuguese Water Dog versus Collie     Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bich Poo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bordoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Border Collie     Portuguese Water Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Azawakh     

    Puggle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puggle versus Yorkshire Terrier     Puggle versus Miniature Poodle     Puggle versus Border Terrier     Puggle versus Gordon Setter     Puggle versus West Highland White Terrier     Puggle versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Puggle versus Golden Retriever     Puggle versus Bracco Italiano     Puggle versus Mastiff     Puggle versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Puggle versus Patterdale Terrier     Puggle versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Puggle versus Akita Chow     Puggle versus Cairn Terrier     Puggle versus Basset Hound     Puggle versus Shihpoo     Puggle versus Shiloh Shepherd     Puggle versus Maltipoo     Puggle versus Goldador     Puggle versus Gordon Setter     Puggle versus Bearded Collie     Puggle versus Dachshund     Puggle versus Berger Picard     Puggle versus Tibetan Mastiff     Puggle versus Chinook     

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