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?

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	Boston Terrier	St. Bernard
Origins	Portugal	United States	Switzerland Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Companion Dogs	Working Dogs
Popularity Rank	54	21	48
Reviews	5	2	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard breeds.	Cao De Agua Portie Water Dog	American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull	Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

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

Size Classification Compare size differences between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Small	Giant
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard? Compare adult weight ranges.	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 Range Compare puppy costs for Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Find price differences between these breeds.	$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

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is easiest to train?	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.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most alert?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most protective?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	St. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard? Compare temperaments.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
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. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard social needs comparison:	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	St. See more.
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. See more.
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. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most vocal?	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.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most playful?	The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	St. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most flexible?	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.
Alone Time Tolerance 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 Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has lowest bite risk?	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.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which uses mouth most during play?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has the strongest bite?	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.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed lives longest?	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.
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which handles climate changes best?	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has fewer health issues?	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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
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

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

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which breed is most active?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	St.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is most prone to obesity?	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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which needs most food?	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

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

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. What colors are available?	Black White Brown	Black White Brindle Seal	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The St. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which drools 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. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has least natural smell?	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.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly	Fine	Dense Rough Smooth
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. 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. 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.
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. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier vs St. Bernard Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is best with kids?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	St.
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.	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.
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 Boston Terrier or St. Bernard?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	St.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
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 Capability Compare service dog potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for service work?	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.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which excels in therapy work?	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. 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 Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. 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 Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which is best suited for water work?	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. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. 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.	Yes 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 Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has most military use?	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

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	3-5 puppies	6-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. 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.

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

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. How are they classified?	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 Classification Compare FCI groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. How are they classified internationally?	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.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and St. Bernard. Which has most recognition?	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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