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Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Carriage Dog or Barbone or Cao De Agua? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog" Compare Dalmatian and Poodle. Which is better: Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
 
 
 
Name Dalmatian Poodle Portuguese Water Dog
OriginsCroatia flagCroatia Germany flagGermany France flagFrance Portugal flagPortugal
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank63754
Reviews1146
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog breeds.
Carriage Dog
Dally
Firehouse Dog
Plum Pudding Dog
Spotted Coach Dog
Dal
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
about 55 pounds (25 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 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?
about 55 pounds (25 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog? Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog height comparison:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more 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: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$600 $1000-$1500 $2500-$2800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train.
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Poodle dogs are easy to train.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs.
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Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Dalmatian dogs are average defenders.
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Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
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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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog?
High: Dalmatian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Poodle 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.
Social Needs
Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog social needs comparison:
Dalmatian dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home.
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Poodle 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? Which can be better for hunting?
Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is most playful?
The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed.
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The Poodle is a playful breed.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Dalmatian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Poodle 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: Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
Dalmatian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Poodle 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.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Dalmatian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Poodle bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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 health problems common in Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.
The Poodle 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?
Rare
The Dalmatian should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Poodle 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: Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Skin Allergies
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Urolithiasis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying
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

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups 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. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. What colors are available?
Black
White
Brown
Liver
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Black
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which drools least?
The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Poodle 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
Compare odor levels between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Curly Curly
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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 Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog? Dalmatian or Poodle or {name3 shedding:
Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders.
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Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is best with kids?
Dalmatian dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Dalmatian dogs are generally with other pets.
Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Dalmatian or Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog?
Dalmatian dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Yes
Dalmatian dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Poodle 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
Dalmatian is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Poodle 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?
Dalmatians are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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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
Compare detection capabilities between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies 2-4 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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.

Dalmatian vs Poodle vs Portuguese Water Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle 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 Dalmatian, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. 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
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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