English Setter vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
94% Compatible
Energy Level
English Setter: Energetic0.8
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
English Setter: Easy Training0.8
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
English Setter: 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
English Setter4/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
English Setter4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
English Setter4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
English Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Deafness: Hereditary hearing loss
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone deficiency
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Bloat: Gastric dilatation risk
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
English Setter
Pros
Gentle and friendly temperament
Excellent with children
Athletic and versatile
Good hunting companion
Cons
Regular grooming required
High exercise needs
Can be stubborn
Moderate shedding
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
English Setter Fun Fact
Their unique speckled coat pattern, called 'belton,' is a trademark feature that only appears after birth.
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
English Setter
Origin:
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game.
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
English Setter
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Health screening for breed-specific issues recommended.
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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