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Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Cao De Agua or Irish Red Setter or Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Setter. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Irish Setter Belgian Malinois
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal Ireland flagIreland Belgium flagBelgium
Group Working Dogs Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank547244
Reviews543
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Which is the smallest dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Irish Setter? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive?
$2500-$2800 $800-$1000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? 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.
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Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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.
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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Belgian Malinois 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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter 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 Belgian Malinois indoors.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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.
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Belgian Malinois 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 Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
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.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
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 Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Setter and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?
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 Irish Setter 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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 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 Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Curly Fine Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Setter and Belgian Malinois color?
Black
White
Brown
Red
Mahogany
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or {name3 shedding:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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 Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?

Low 🔽

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

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
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.
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The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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.
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois 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
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois 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.
Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Portuguese Water Dog or Irish Setter or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
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 Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois?

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

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

Not really

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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.
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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 Irish Setter and Belgian Malinois have?
4-8 puppies 7-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Portuguese Water Dog vs Irish Setter vs Belgian Malinois 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 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding 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 Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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