Spinone Italiano vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
Spinone Italiano: Energetic0.8
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Spinone Italiano: Agreeable0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Spinone Italiano: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Spinone Italiano3/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Spinone Italiano4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Spinone Italiano3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Spinone Italiano
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Cerebellar Ataxia: Balance coordination
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Allergies: Environmental sensitivities
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
Spinone Italiano
Pros
Excellent family companion
Patient with children
Versatile hunting abilities
Good with other pets
Gentle disposition
Cons
Needs regular exercise
Can be stubborn
Requires regular grooming
May drool considerably
Not suited for apartment living
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
Spinone Italiano Fun Fact
Their distinctive beard and eyebrows aren't just for show - they help protect their eyes while hunting in dense brush!
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
Spinone Italiano
Origin:
Developed in Italy's Piedmont region during the 16th century as a versatile hunting dog, excelling in difficult terrain and specialized in pointing and retrieving game birds.
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
Spinone Italiano
Weekly brushing required to maintain coat. Needs significant daily exercise. Regular health monitoring for breed-specific conditions like hip dysplasia and cerebellar ataxia.
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.
Shedding
SeasonalRelated Comparisons
Same Group
Spinone Italiano vs Labrador Retriever →Same Group
Spinone Italiano vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Spinone Italiano vs Yorkshire Terrier →Similar Size
Spinone Italiano vs Japanese Chin →