Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie
Breed Compatibility
80% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Border Collie: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Border Collie: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Border Collie: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Border Collie4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
Border Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
CEA: Eye development disorder
MDR1: Drug sensitivity gene
TNS: Neurological condition
CL: Neurological disorder
Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Border Collie
Pros
Extremely intelligent
Highly trainable
Athletic and agile
Loyal and devoted
Excellent working dog
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
May be too intense for novice owners
Strong herding instinct
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be overly sensitive
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.
Border Collie Fun Fact
Border Collies can learn to recognize over 1,000 words and can understand complex multi-step commands.
Heritage & Purpose
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.
Border Collie
Origin:
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England during the 1700s, these dogs revolutionized sheep herding with their distinctive 'eye' and precise control of livestock.
Special Considerations
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.
Border Collie
Requires extensive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial.
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