Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cao De Agua or Bichon Habanero or Pooshi? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Havanese. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or Shih-Poo?

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	Havanese	Shih-Poo
Origins	Portugal	Cuba	China Tibet
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Companion Dogs	Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank	54	23	562
Reviews	6	7	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo breeds.	Cao De Agua Portie Water Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese	Pooshi Shoodle
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Cross Breed

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)	8-15 pounds (4-7 kg) 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)	11.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or Shih-Poo? Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo height comparison:	Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 cm)	8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)	10 inches (25 cm)	11.5 inches (29 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Find price differences between these breeds.	$2500-$2800	$900-$1200	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or Shih-Poo?	Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Shih-Poo is easier than average to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Smart: The Shih-Poo dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which is easiest to train?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most alert?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most protective?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo? Compare temperaments.	Intelligent Docile Obedient Brave Impetuous Quarrelsome	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming	Intelligent Loyal Sweet Companionable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo?	High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Havanese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih-Poo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo social needs comparison:	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Havanese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Shih-Poo rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most playful?	The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih-Poo breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed is most flexible?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Havanese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih-Poo 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 Havanese or Shih-Poo?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Havanese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih-Poo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which uses mouth most during play?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Havanese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Havanese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih-Poo bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which breed lives longest?	10-14 years The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Shih-Poo: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shih-Poo can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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 Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih-Poo 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?	Average The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih-Poo 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 Havanese vs Shih-Poo? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo 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 Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt	Heatstroke Dental Problems

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih-Poo's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which needs most food?	2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. What colors are available?	Black White Brown	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco	Black White Brown Brindle Various combinations
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shih-Poo doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which drools least?	The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih-Poo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih-Poo has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long	Curly Straight Curly & Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or Shih-Poo? Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or {name3 shedding:	Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih-Poo dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best with kids?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih-Poo dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Havanese or Shih-Poo? Which dog is more friendly?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Havanese dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are 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 Havanese or Shih-Poo?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo 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 Havanese or Shih-Poo?	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih-Poo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo?	Yes Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Havanese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih-Poo 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 Havanese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih-Poo 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.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Shih-Poos are commonly okay with elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih-Poo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.	Not really 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, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Havanese vs Shih-Poo Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4	3-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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 Havanese vs Shih-Poo Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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 Bichons and related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Portuguese Water Dog, Havanese, and Shih-Poo. 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 United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America	Not recognized by any clubs.

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