Tibetan Spaniel vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
92% Compatible
Energy Level
Tibetan Spaniel: Calm0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Tibetan Spaniel: Agreeable0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Tibetan Spaniel: Weekly Brushing0.4
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Tibetan Spaniel5/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Tibetan Spaniel3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Tibetan Spaniel4/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Tibetan Spaniel
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Cherry Eye: Third eyelid disorder
Entropion: Inward rolling eyelids
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
Adaptable to various living situations
Low exercise requirements
Affectionate with family
Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
Can be stubborn during training
Moderate grooming needs
May be reserved with strangers
Prone to barking
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
Tibetan Spaniel Fun Fact
Known as 'Little Lions' in Tibet due to their practice of perching on monastery walls as lookouts.
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Origin:
Serving as companion and watchdog in Tibetan monasteries since ancient times, these alert dogs were valued for their keen vision and warning abilities in the Himalayan region.
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Regular grooming needed for double coat maintenance. Moderate exercise requirements and early socialization important. Watch for eye-related health 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.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Tibetan Spaniel vs Schipperke →Similar Size
Tibetan Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier →Similar Size
Tibetan Spaniel vs Wire Fox Terrier →