Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Portuguese Water Dog Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet: Overview
- Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Whippet
- The Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet?
- Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Whippet
- Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet?
- Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Whippets?
- Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet? 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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet.
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 Whippet.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet: Overview
Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet are similar in size. The Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog to the Whippet 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 Whippet
| Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 60 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2860 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $2500 – $3300 | $1600 – $2600 |
| Temperament Score | 77.9 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 50 | 58 |
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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog. So, you should get the Whippet!
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 Whippet 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 Whippet
Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet
The Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet.
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, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet
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 Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Whippets live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Whippet has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 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 86.2 percent, the Whippet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 163 Portuguese Water Dogs and 203 Whippets.
Price of Portuguese Water Dog versus Price of Whippet
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 Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Whippet.
| Portuguese Water Dog | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2860 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $2500 to $3300 | $1600 to $2600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Portuguese Water Dog and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies or how many Whippet 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 Whippets
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Portuguese Water Dog puppy or the Whippet 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 Portuguese Water Dog versus Popularity of Whippet
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 Whippet over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Whippet. 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 Whippet is 58 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Popularity of Whippet
| Year | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 49 | 59 |
| 2014 | 52 | 56 |
| 2015 | 52 | 57 |
| 2016 | 51 | 60 |
| 2017 | 54 | 61 |
| 2018 | 50 | 61 |
| 2019 | 49 | 57 |
| 2020 | 49 | 59 |
Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog versus Health Problems of Whippet
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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Whippet.
11 health tests are recommended for Portuguese Water Dog while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and in Whippets.
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.
Whippet Health Problems
Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet 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 Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet 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 Whippets for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Portuguese Water Dogs and Whippets
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 Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Portuguese Water Dog and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Portuguese Water Dog and the Whippet:
| Disease | Portuguese Water Dog Rank | Whippet 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 | 108 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 94 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 111 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 140 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 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 Whippet
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Whippets?
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Whippets 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.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Whippet
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Portuguese Water Dogs and Whippets?
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Whippet?
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Whippets are OK 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 Whippet
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet 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 Whippet:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Portuguese Water Dog and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Collie Portuguese Water Dog versus Gordon Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinook Portuguese Water Dog versus Dogo Argentino Portuguese Water Dog versus Spinone Italiano Portuguese Water Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Frenchton Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiba Inu Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Borzoi Portuguese Water Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Saluki Portuguese Water Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Boxerdoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomapoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Frenchton Portuguese Water Dog versus Westiepoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Russian Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Mountain Cur Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland Portuguese Water Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Boerboel Portuguese Water Dog versus Goldador
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Karelian Bear Dog Whippet versus Morkie Whippet versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Whippet versus Italian Greyhound Whippet versus Briard Whippet versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Whippet versus American Eskimo Dog Whippet versus Cavapoo Whippet versus Akita Whippet versus Chi-Poo Whippet versus Pomsky Whippet versus Bulldog Whippet versus Affenpinscher Whippet versus Italian Greyhound Whippet versus Neapolitan Mastiff Whippet versus Sloughi Whippet versus Chi-Poo Whippet versus Australian Kelpie Whippet versus Pekingese Whippet versus Shiranian Whippet versus German Wirehaired Pointer Whippet versus Chi-Poo Whippet versus Maltese Whippet versus Bich Poo Whippet versus Doberman Pinscher
Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog versus Whippet. 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 Whippet better suits you and your family.