Otterhound vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
79% Compatible
Energy Level
Otterhound: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Otterhound: May be Stubborn0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Otterhound: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Otterhound3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Otterhound3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Otterhound4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Otterhound
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint condition
Glaucoma: Eye pressure issue
CTP: Blood clotting disorder
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
Otterhound
Pros
Excellent swimming ability
Friendly temperament
Good with families
Strong tracking abilities
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires lots of exercise
Can be stubborn
Rare and expensive
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
Otterhound Fun Fact
Otterhounds have one of the strongest noses in the dog world, able to track scents underwater and up to 72 hours old.
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
Otterhound
Origin:
Developed in medieval England during the 12th century, these robust hounds were bred specifically for hunting otters in rivers and streams, using their powerful swimming abilities and keen sense of smell.
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
Otterhound
Regular coat maintenance needed to prevent matting. Requires secure fencing due to hunting instincts. Health screening for genetic conditions essential before breeding.
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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