Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
79% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Cattle Dog: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Australian Cattle Dog: May be Stubborn0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Cattle Dog: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Cattle Dog3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Cattle Dog3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Cattle Dog3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Cattle Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
PRA: Progressive retinal deterioration
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss risk
OCD: Obsessive behavioral patterns
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular concerns
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
GM1: Storage disease disorder
JDCM: Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
EOPRA: Early-onset eye disease
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
Australian Cattle Dog
Pros
Extremely loyal and protective
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Great endurance
Low grooming needs
Cons
High exercise requirements
Can be stubborn
May nip at heels
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be territorial
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Non-shedding coat
Excellent swimming ability
Great family companion
Athletic and versatile
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Expensive maintenance
Australian Cattle Dog Fun Fact
These dogs often have a unique mask-like marking around their eyes, earning them the nickname 'masked merle.'
Portuguese Water Dog Fun Fact
These dogs were trained to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear and could swim for hours in cold ocean waters.
Heritage & Purpose
Australian Cattle Dog
Origin:
Developed in Australia during the 1800s for cattle herding in harsh outback conditions. These dogs were bred to manage livestock across vast distances with minimal supervision.
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin:
Maritime working dogs of Portuguese fishing vessels during the 15th century, helping retrieve gear and herd fish into nets while serving as boat guardians and messengers.
Special Considerations
Australian Cattle Dog
Needs extensive exercise and mental stimulation daily. Regular brushing required during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial for balanced temperament.
Portuguese Water Dog
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being. Regular eye and hip examinations recommended.
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