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Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Cao De Agua or Berner?

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank5425
Reviews56
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is a Portuguese Water Dog taller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 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: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. Which breed costs more?
$2500-$2800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare training requirements.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare alertness levels.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare living space needs.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare average lifespans.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? 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 cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog. 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.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog 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: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? 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 Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare breed colors.
Black
White
Brown
Black
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bernese Mountain Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

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

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare fur types.
Curly Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed more than Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Can a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog be friends? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog 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
Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Bernese Mountain Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

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 Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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 1937 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. 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
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

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