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Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Cao De Agua or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Border Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Portugal flagPortugal Ireland flagIreland
Group Hunting Dogs Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank9254164
Reviews161
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel breeds.
Borders Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $2500-$2800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Terrier 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.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Water Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Terrier 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.
Irish Water Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Terrier 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.
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
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
No data available

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most active?
Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which needs most food?
1 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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
White
Brown
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Curly Dense
Curly
Tight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
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Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Water Spaniel?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Yes
Border Terrier 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.
Yes
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Water Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most military use?

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.

Not really

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

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club
No data available

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