Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
80% Compatible
Energy Level
Border Collie: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Border Collie: Eager to Please1.0
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Border Collie: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Border Collie3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Border Collie3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Border Collie4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Border Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
CEA: Eye development disorder
MDR1: Drug sensitivity gene
TNS: Neurological condition
CL: Neurological disorder
Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
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
Border Collie
Pros
Extremely intelligent
Highly trainable
Athletic and agile
Loyal and devoted
Excellent working dog
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
May be too intense for novice owners
Strong herding instinct
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be overly sensitive
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
Border Collie Fun Fact
Border Collies can learn to recognize over 1,000 words and can understand complex multi-step commands.
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
Border Collie
Origin:
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England during the 1700s, these dogs revolutionized sheep herding with their distinctive 'eye' and precise control of livestock.
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
Border Collie
Requires extensive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial.
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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