Newfoundland 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.
Newfoundland
Working Group
Portuguese Sheepdog
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
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: Newfoundlands are less energetic than Portuguese Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Newfoundlands require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Newfoundlands tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Portuguese Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Portuguese Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Portuguese Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Portuguese Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Newfoundland | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Newfoundland | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 17-22 inches 42-55 cm |
| Weight | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg | 37-59 lbs 17-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Newfoundland | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Patient, Devoted | Intelligent, Devoted, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Newfoundland | Portuguese Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, 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. 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 Newfoundland 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
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands 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, Newfoundlands 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
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Portuguese Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
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 Newfoundland and Portuguese Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.