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Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cao De Agua or American Gentlemen or Alpine Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Boston Terrier. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Boston Terrier St. Bernard
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal United States flagUnited States Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank542148
Reviews519
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Which is the smallest dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
Medium Small Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or Boston Terrier? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard weight comparison:
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg) 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg) 155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm) 25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Which is more expensive?
$2500-$2800 $600-$800 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard intelligence:
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard trainability comparison.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
St.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.
St.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: St.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: St.
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Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
St.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
St.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.
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Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard playfulness comparison:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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St.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
See more.
Low: The St.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier 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 St.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
St.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Boston Terrier 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.
St.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

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

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The St.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard mouthiness comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
St.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard health comparison. Which is the healthier: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard 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
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The St.
Life Expectancy
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard lifespan comparison. How long do Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier and St. Bernard breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard coat comparison:
Curly Fine Dense
Rough
Smooth
Colors
What are the original Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier and St. Bernard color?
Black
White
Brown
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard grooming comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The St.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
St.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?

Low 🔽

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

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The St.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The St.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier or St. Bernard? Which is better for autism?

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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard?

Yes

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

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

St.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Portuguese Water Dog and Boston Terrier and St. Bernard have?
4-8 puppies 3-5 puppies 6-8 puppies

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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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