Australian Kelpie vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
81% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Kelpie: Energetic0.8
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Australian Kelpie: Eager to Please1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Kelpie: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Kelpie3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Kelpie3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Kelpie3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Kelpie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye condition
CEA: Collie eye anomaly concerns
Cryptorchidism: Testicle retention
Cerebellar Abiotrophy: Brain disorder
Luxating Patella: Kneecap issues
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 Kelpie
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Low maintenance coat
Exceptional agility
Strong herding instincts
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
Can be too intense for novice owners
May herd children and pets
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be stubborn if not properly trained
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 Kelpie Fun Fact
Kelpies can cover up to 50 kilometers in a day while working, demonstrating their legendary endurance.
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 Kelpie
Origin:
Developed in Australia during the 1800s for sheep herding in harsh outback conditions. Renowned for their exceptional stamina and working abilities in challenging terrain.
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 Kelpie
Needs extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Regular grooming during shedding seasons. Early training and socialization essential for managing herding instincts.
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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