Portuguese Water Dog vs Swedish Vallhund
Breed Compatibility
93% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Swedish Vallhund: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Swedish Vallhund: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Swedish Vallhund: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Swedish Vallhund5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Swedish Vallhund3/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Swedish Vallhund3/5
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
Swedish Vallhund
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development issue
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy: Vision
Intervertebral Disk Disease: Spine
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision
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
Swedish Vallhund
Pros
Highly trainable
Good with families
Excellent watchdog
Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
High exercise needs
Can be vocal
Seasonal shedding
Strong herding instinct
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.
Swedish Vallhund Fun Fact
Swedish Vallhunds were nearly extinct in the 1940s but were saved by the efforts of one breeding pair!
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.
Swedish Vallhund
Origin:
Dating back to the Viking Age in Sweden, these dogs served as versatile farm helpers, excelling in cattle herding and vermin control throughout Västergötland.
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.
Swedish Vallhund
Regular grooming during shedding seasons, daily exercise requirements, and early socialization to manage herding instincts are essential care aspects.
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