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Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Bichon Habanero or Cao De Agua or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever" Compare Havanese and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Havanese Portuguese Water Dog Golden Retriever
OriginsCuba flagCuba Portugal flagPortugal Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank23543
Reviews7516
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Bichon Habanero
Bichon Havanais
Bichon Havanes
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Havaneser
Havanezer
Bichon Havanese
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Small Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever? Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
8-11 inches (21-29 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1200 $2500-$2800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Companionable
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever?
High: Havanese 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.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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Golden Retriever 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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Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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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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.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Havanese 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.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Havanese 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 Golden Retriever 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: Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Havanese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever?
Havanese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
White
Fawn
Reddish-Brown
Havana Brown
Tobacco
Black
White
Brown
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The Havanese 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.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

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

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Curly Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever? Havanese or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:
Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Havanese 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

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

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
1-9 puppies, average 4 4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Havanese vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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 Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, and Golden Retriever. 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
United Kennel Club
Havanese 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
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

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