Portuguese Water Dog vs Chinese Crested
Breed Compatibility
80% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Chinese Crested: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Chinese Crested: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Chinese Crested: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Chinese Crested3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Chinese Crested3/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Chinese Crested4/5
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
Chinese Crested
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Primary Lens Luxation: Eye condition
Glaucoma: Eye pressure disorder
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Cardiac Issues: Heart conditions
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
Chinese Crested
Pros
Excellent companion dog
Minimal shedding
Good for apartment living
Affectionate with family
Cons
Requires skin care (hairless variety)
Sensitive to extreme temperatures
Can be yappy
May be difficult to housebreak
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.
Chinese Crested Fun Fact
The hairless gene in Chinese Cresteds is actually incomplete dominance, resulting in some dogs being born with fur!
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.
Chinese Crested
Origin:
Developed in ancient China as companion dogs for Chinese sailors, these small dogs served as ratters on ships while traveling maritime trade routes during the Han dynasty.
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.
Chinese Crested
Hairless variety needs sun protection and regular skin care. Both varieties require dental attention and protection from extreme temperatures.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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