Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Cao De Agua or Little Blue Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Portuguese Water Dog	Australian Shepherd
Origins	Portugal	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	54	17
Reviews	5	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?	Cao De Agua Portie Water Dog	Little Blue Dog Aussie
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Medium	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd? Is a Portuguese Water Dog taller than an Australian Shepherd?	Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more?	$2500-$2800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?	Intelligent Docile Obedient Brave Impetuous Quarrelsome	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd?	High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?	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.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs.	Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.	10-14 years The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.	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 Australian Shepherd 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 Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?	The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd?	Average The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:	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 Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare activity levels.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.	Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors.	Black White Brown	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types.	Curly	Feathered
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? 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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Australian Shepherd? Can a Portuguese Water Dog and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? 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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? 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 Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? 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 Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.	Yes Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Portuguese Water Dog or an Australian Shepherd? 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 Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters?	4-8 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?	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 Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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