Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier
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
West Highland White Terrier
Terrier 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.
West Highland White Terrier Overview
West Highland White Terriers, affectionately known as 'Westies', feature a distinctive white double coat, compact muscular body, and alert carriage. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes and perked ears give them an intelligent, inquisitive expression. Standing 10-11 inches tall, these sturdy terriers combine strength with agility, displaying confident movement and a proud stance characteristic of their Scottish heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Water Dogs are more energetic than West Highland White Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Water Dogs require less grooming attention compared to West Highland White Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than West Highland White Terriers.
- Trainability: West Highland White Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their West Highland White Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 15-20 lbs 7-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic | Loyal, Happy, Entertaining |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Water Dog | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
West Highland White Terrier Temperament
The West Highland White Terrier is characterized by being loyal, happy, entertaining, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 West Highland White Terrier, 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
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
West Highland White Terrier
Rating: 5/5
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.
West Highland White Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
West Highland White Terriers 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, West Highland White Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
West Highland White Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Addison's Disease
- White Shaker Syndrome
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
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
West Highland White Terrier
Pros
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Good with families
- Low-shedding coat
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Regular grooming required
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Water Dog and West Highland White Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.