Chow Chow vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
74% Compatible
Energy Level
Chow Chow: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Chow Chow: May be Stubborn0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Chow Chow: 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
Chow Chow3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Chow Chow2/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Chow Chow2/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Chow Chow
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint issues
Thyroid Disease: Hormone imbalance
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap problems
Von Willebrand's: Blood clotting
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
Chow Chow
Pros
Loyal to family
Clean and cat-like
Excellent guard dog
Minimal barking
Independent nature
Cons
Stubborn personality
Challenging to train
Heavy shedding
Aloof with strangers
Requires regular grooming
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
Chow Chow Fun Fact
The Chow Chow is one of few breeds naturally born with a blue-black tongue, a trait shared only with Shar-Peis.
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
Chow Chow
Origin:
Dating back to China's Han Dynasty, these dogs served as palace guardians and hunting companions. Their versatile nature made them valuable working dogs across Asia.
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
Chow Chow
Regular brushing essential for thick double coat. Moderate exercise needs but sensitive to heat. 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.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Chow Chow vs Schipperke →Similar Size
Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever →Similar Size
Chow Chow vs Belgian Tervuren →