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Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Bichon A Poil Frise or Cao De Agua?

"Find similarities and differences between Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog" Compare Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog?
 
 
 
Name Bichon Frise Portuguese Water Dog
OriginsSpain flagSpain Belgium flagBelgium Portugal flagPortugal
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4654
Reviews55
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bichon A Poil Frise
Bichon Tenerife
Purebred Bichon
Tenerife Dog
Bichon Frise
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is heavier?
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
10 pounds (4.5 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog? Is a Bichon Frise taller than a Portuguese Water Dog?
Male: 9-12 inches (23–30 cm) Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed costs more?
$700-$1000 $2500-$2800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog?
Very frequent: The Bichon Frise is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare training requirements.
Bichon Frise dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare alertness levels.
Bichon Frise dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bichon Frise dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Cheerful
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog?
High: Bichon Frise dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog social needs comparison:
Bichon Frise dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Bichon Frise dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Bichon Frise barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
The Bichon Frise is a playful breed.
See more.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Bichon Frise breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
Bichon Frise dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog?
Bichon Frise dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bichon Frise dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Bichon Frise bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Bichon Frise: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is healthier?
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Average
The Bichon Frise should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Vaccination Sensitivity
Bladder Stones
Juvenile Cataracts
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Addison's Disease
Megaesophagus
Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd)
Abnormally Small Eyes
GM-1 Storage Disease
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Colitis
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Lymphangiectasia

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare activity levels.
Bichon Frise dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bichon Frise dogs exercise need is minimal.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog?
Bichon Frise dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bichon Frise's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog? Compare breed colors.
Cream
White
Buff
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Bichon Frise is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Bichon Frise has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare fur types.
Curly Curly
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog? Do Bichon Frise dogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dog dogs?
Bichon Frise dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bichon Frise dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bichon Frise dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Bichon Frise dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog?
Bichon Frise dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bichon Frise or Portuguese Water Dog? Can a Bichon Frise and a Portuguese Water Dog be friends? Do Bichon Frise dogs get along with Portuguese Water Dog dogs?
Bichon Frise dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Yes
Bichon Frise dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bichon Frise is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bichon Frises are usually recommended for elderly people.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Bichon Frise breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bichon Frise or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has larger litters?
2-5 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bichon Frise vs Portuguese Water Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bichon Frise and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is more widely recognized?
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
The Bichon Frise Club Of America
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

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