Portuguese Water Dog vs Toy Fox Terrier
Breed Compatibility
47% Compatible
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Toy Fox Terrier: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Toy Fox Terrier: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Toy Fox Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Toy Fox Terrier/5
Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Toy Fox Terrier/5
Good with Strangers
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Toy Fox Terrier/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
Toy Fox Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Von Willebrand's: Blood clotting disorder
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Lens Luxation: Eye lens displacement
Dental Issues: Tooth and gum problems
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
Highly intelligent
Low maintenance grooming
Good for apartment living
Long lifespan
Cons
Can be stubborn
May be yappy
Prone to dental issues
Not ideal with very young children
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.
Toy Fox Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Toy Fox Terriers were originally skilled ratters on American farms!
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.
Toy Fox Terrier
Origin:
Developed in the United States during the 1930s for hunting small vermin and providing companionship. Farmers valued these dogs for their exceptional ratting abilities.
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.
Toy Fox Terrier
Requires dental attention due to small mouth size. Needs protection in extreme weather. Regular exercise essential to prevent behavioral issues.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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