Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Water Dog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Temperament of the Sealyham Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
- Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Sealyham Terrier
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?
- Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Sealyham Terriers?
- Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier? 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier.
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 Sealyham Terrier.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier
| Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the | Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 60 pounds | 22 to 24 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2860 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2500 – $3300 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 77.9 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 50 | 157 |
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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Sealyham Terrier. 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier
The Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier.
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, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
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 Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.
Sealyham Terriers live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Sealyham Terrier Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Sealyham Terrier has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Sealyham Terrier is 100.0 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sealyham Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 163 Portuguese Water Dogs and 1 Sealyham Terriers.
The Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog versus Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 157 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Popularity of Sealyham Terrier
| Year | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank | Sealyham Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 49 | 158 |
| 2014 | 52 | 169 |
| 2015 | 52 | 158 |
| 2016 | 51 | 155 |
| 2017 | 54 | 150 |
| 2018 | 50 | 164 |
| 2019 | 49 | 154 |
| 2020 | 49 | 148 |
Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier
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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Sealyham Terrier.
11 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Water Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and in Sealyham Terriers.
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.
Sealyham Terrier Health Problems
Sealyham Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and Sealyham Terriers
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:
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 Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Sealyham Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Sealyham Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Portuguese Water Dog and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier:
| Disease | Portuguese Water Dog Rank | Sealyham Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Early Onset Pra problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 15 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 59 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 94 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 111 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 140 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 4 out of 17 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: Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers?
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Sealyham Terrier
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Sealyham Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Sealyham Terriers?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Sealyham Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Sealyham Terriers 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Water Dog and how the Sealyham Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and of the Sealyham Terrier to other breeds:
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Akita Portuguese Water Dog versus American Eskimo Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Portuguese Water Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog versus Skye Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Cairn Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog versus Toy Poodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Chorkie Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise Portuguese Water Dog versus Ibizan Hound Portuguese Water Dog versus Cavachon Portuguese Water Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer
Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Sealyham Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Sealyham Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Border Collie Sealyham Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Sealyham Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Sealyham Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel Sealyham Terrier versus Great Dane Sealyham Terrier versus Puggle Sealyham Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund Sealyham Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff Sealyham Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Sealyham Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Sealyham Terrier versus Japanese Spitz Sealyham Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Shichon Sealyham Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Sealyham Terrier versus Silky Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Valley Bulldog Sealyham Terrier versus Australian Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Sealyham Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier Sealyham Terrier versus King Shepherd Sealyham Terrier versus Morkie Sealyham Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier better suits you and your family.