Chihuahua vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
67% Compatible
Energy Level
Chihuahua: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Chihuahua: Independent0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Chihuahua: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Chihuahua1/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Chihuahua3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Chihuahua2/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Chihuahua
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Hydrocephalus: Fluid in brain cavity
Dental Issues: Tooth overcrowding
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar risk
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
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
Chihuahua
Pros
Highly portable
Long lifespan
Minimal space requirements
Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
Fragile physique
Can be yappy
May be aggressive if not socialized
Temperature 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
Chihuahua Fun Fact
The smallest dog ever recorded was a Chihuahua named Miracle Milly, weighing only 1 pound at maturity.
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
Chihuahua
Origin:
Revered companions in ancient Toltec civilization of Mexico, these small dogs served as sacred animals and cherished companions to nobility during the pre-Columbian era.
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
Chihuahua
Requires protection from cold weather, careful handling due to fragile build, and attention to dental health. Regular grooming and consistent training essential.
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.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier →Same Group
Chihuahua vs Japanese Chin →Similar Size
Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier →Similar Size
Chihuahua vs Japanese Chin →