Portuguese Water Dog vs American Staffordshire Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
American Staffordshire Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Overview
Muscular and agile, the American Staffordshire Terrier showcases a powerful build with a broad head, pronounced cheek muscles, and a distinctive smile. Their short, stiff coat comes in various colors and patterns. Despite their strong appearance, they display remarkable gentleness and intelligence, combining confidence with a good-natured demeanor that makes them devoted family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Water Dogs are more energetic than American Staffordshire Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Trainability: American Staffordshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Staffordshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Staffordshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and American Staffordshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 40-70 lbs 18-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic | Confident, Smart, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, 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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is characterized by being confident, smart, good-natured, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Water Dog and American Staffordshire Terrier, 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Staffordshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Staffordshire Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
American Staffordshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Skin Allergies
- Thyroid Problems
- Eye Issues
Pros & Cons
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
American Staffordshire Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent with children
- Strong and athletic
- Easy to groom
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Need extensive socialization
- May be dog aggressive
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Water Dog and American Staffordshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.