Portuguese Water Dog vs Sloughi
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
Sloughi
Hound 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.
Sloughi Overview
Sloughi dogs embody elegance with their lean, muscular build and graceful movement. These noble sighthounds feature a smooth coat, long limbs, and expressive dark eyes that convey their characteristic dignified demeanor. Standing tall with a deep chest and refined bone structure, they possess the classic desert hound silhouette with their distinctive drooping ears and long, curved tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Water Dogs are more energetic than Sloughis, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Sloughis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Sloughis.
- Trainability: Sloughis may be slightly easier to train due to their Sloughi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Sloughis 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 Sloughi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm | 24-29 inches 61-74 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic | Reserved, Graceful, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Sloughi Temperament
The Sloughi is characterized by being reserved, graceful, noble, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Sloughi, 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
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Sloughi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Sloughi
Rating: 3/5
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.
Sloughi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sloughis 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, Sloughis 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
Sloughi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiac Issues
- Bloat
- Sensitivity
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
Sloughi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Low grooming requirements
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal to family
- Quiet and clean
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Reserved with strangers
- Sensitive temperament
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Water Dog and Sloughi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.