Saint Bernard vs. Portuguese Water Dog: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

4 / 5

Saint Bernard has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

3 / 5

Portuguese Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Saint Bernard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog dogs?

Friendly
Independent
Going
Social
Gentle
Happy
Quiet

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Shedding Level

Do Saint Bernards shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs, or which breed sheds more, Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs?

4 / 5

Saint Bernards are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

1 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

3 / 5

Saint Bernards are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog dog breeds?

Switzerland

Portugal

Ancestry

What are the origins of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?

tibetan mastiff, great dane, greater swiss mountain dog, great pyrenees

poodle

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds first developed?

980 AD

700 BC

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?

A Saint Bernard can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

4 / 5

Saint Bernards are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

5 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog, which breed is more prone to health problems?

5 / 5

The Saint Bernard breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

3 / 5

While the Portuguese Water Dog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?

Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Wobbler's Syndrome

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?

Entropion
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Diabetes

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Saint Bernards and Portuguese Water Dogs compare?

2 / 5

Saint Bernards are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

5 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog social needs comparison

5 / 5

Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog exercise need comparison.

2 / 5

Saint Bernards need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

4 / 5

Saint Bernards are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

1 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

5 / 5

Saint Bernard excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

1 / 5

Portuguese Water Dog minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs bark more/less frequently?

1 / 5

Saint Bernards are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

2 / 5

Portuguese Water Dog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Territorial

Is the Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog a better guard dog?

4 / 5

Saint Bernard dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

3 / 5

While Portuguese Water Dog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog?

1 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Saint Bernard vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

1 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

1 / 5

3 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog entertained?

Walk, Walking, Calm, Run, Chase, Fetch, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Napping, Zoomies, Fech

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs?

3 / 5

Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Saint Bernards vs Portuguese Water Dogs

2 / 5

Saint Bernard has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog?

5 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

3 / 5

Saint Bernards are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

4 / 5

The Portuguese Water Dog is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

5 / 5

Saint Bernards are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

5 / 5

Saint Bernards are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog dogs interact with other pets?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?

3 / 5

Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?

2 / 5

Saint Bernards are not known for being a highly playful breed.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Saint Bernards and Portuguese Water Dogs compare?

2 / 5

Saint Bernards may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

4 / 5

Portuguese Water Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.