Portuguese Water Dog vs French Spaniel
Breed Compatibility
88% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
French Spaniel: N/A
Less Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
French Spaniel: N/A
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
French Spaniel: N/A
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
French Spaniel5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
French Spaniel5/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
French Spaniel5/5
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
French Spaniel
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Eye Problems: Progressive vision issues
Ear Infections: Due to floppy ears
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Epilepsy: Neurological condition
Joint Issues: Activity-related strain
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
French Spaniel
Pros
Excellent hunting companion
Good with families
Intelligent
Gentle temperament
Cons
Needs extensive exercise
Regular grooming required
Can be stubborn
Not suited for apartment living
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.
French Spaniel Fun Fact
French Spaniels were once so rare that only 20 dogs remained in the 1930s before breed revival efforts.
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.
French Spaniel
Origin:
Developed in medieval France as versatile hunting companions, these dogs excelled in bird hunting and retrieving game from both land and water during the 14th century.
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.
French Spaniel
Regular ear cleaning needed due to floppy ears. Requires consistent exercise and training. Health screening for hip dysplasia and eye conditions recommended.
Shedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boxer →Similar Size
Portuguese Water Dog vs Afghan Hound →