Lakeland Terrier vs Portuguese Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lakeland Terrier
Terrier Group
Portuguese Sheepdog
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lakeland Terrier Overview
Lakeland Terriers possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with distinctive wire-coated exteriors in various colors. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their bold personality. Standing 14-15 inches at the shoulder, these compact terriers showcase a rectangular body profile with strong legs and a carried-high tail. Their temperament combines fearlessness with friendly approachability.
Portuguese Sheepdog Overview
Portuguese Sheepdogs showcase a distinctive medium-sized frame with a long, wavy coat that can range from yellow to brown. Their expressive eyes and alert ears complement an athletic build designed for herding work. Known for their intelligent expression and agile movements, these dogs carry themselves with confidence and grace while maintaining their rustic appearance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lakeland Terriers are less energetic than Portuguese Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lakeland Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lakeland Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Lakeland Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Lakeland Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lakeland Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lakeland Terrier and Portuguese Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 17-22 inches 42-55 cm |
| Weight | 17-17 lbs 8-8 kg | 37-59 lbs 17-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Bold | Intelligent, Devoted, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lakeland Terrier | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lakeland Terrier Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is known for being friendly, confident, bold, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament
The Portuguese Sheepdog is characterized by being intelligent, devoted, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lakeland Terrier and Portuguese Sheepdog, 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
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lakeland Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lakeland Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lakeland Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lakeland Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Portuguese Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Sheepdogs 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 Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lakeland Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- von Willebrand's
- Legg-Perthes
- Allergies
Portuguese Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Lakeland Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding
- Adaptable
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tendency to bark
Portuguese Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding abilities
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be strong-willed
- May show herding behaviors
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lakeland Terrier and Portuguese Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.