Spanish Mastiff vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
77% Compatible
Energy Level
Spanish Mastiff: Calm0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Spanish Mastiff: N/A
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Spanish Mastiff: N/A
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Luxury
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Spanish Mastiff
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
Elbow dysplasia: Joint development problem
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Heart issues: Cardiac health concerns
Eye problems: Various ocular conditions
Obesity: Weight management challenges
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
Pros & Cons Comparison
Spanish Mastiff
Pros
Excellent guardian breed
Gentle with family
Patient temperament
Low exercise needs
Cons
Heavy drooling
Significant food costs
Space requirements
Health issues
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
Spanish Mastiff Fun Fact
Spanish Mastiffs were historically used in groups of five to protect sheep flocks from wolves and bears.
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.
Heritage & Purpose
Spanish Mastiff
Origin:
Medieval Spain saw these mastiffs guarding livestock against wolves and bears in the Mesta system. Their impressive size and protective nature made them invaluable guardians of sheep flocks.
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.
Special Considerations
Spanish Mastiff
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Moderate exercise requirements must be met consistently. Health monitoring is essential due to size-related issues.
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.