Harrier 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.
Harrier
Hound Group
Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family 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: Harriers are more energetic than Portuguese Water Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Water Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Portuguese Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Harrier 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
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 Harrier and Portuguese Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.