Bearded Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Portuguese Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Trainability: Bearded Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Bearded Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Water Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Portuguese Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is characterized by being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Portuguese Water Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Water Dogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Portuguese Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.