Portuguese Water Dog vs Kangal Comparison. Which dog is better for you: PWD or Kangal Çoban Köpegi?

Compare the Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a PWD or a Kangal Çoban Köpegi? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Cao De Agua, Portie, Water Dog, PWD

Kangal Çoban Köpegi, Turkish Kangal, Sivas Kangal, Kangal Shepherd Dog

Weight

What is the average weight of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

47.5 pounds ( 22 kg )

130.0 pounds ( 59 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal

20.0 inches ( 50.8 cm )

32.0 inches ( 81.3 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Kangal has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Kangal is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal dogs?

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Alert
Independent
Selfish
Controlled
Calm
Protective
Sensitive

Shedding Level

Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Kangals, or which breed sheds more, Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals?

Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Kangals shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Kangal if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal dog breeds?

Portugal

Turkey

Ancestry

What are the origins of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds?

poodle

Mastiff-type

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

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
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds first developed?

700 BC

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal dogs?

Brown

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds?

Black
White
Brown

Gray
Fawn
Sable

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds?

Portuguese Water Dogs have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Kangals have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

Curly

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Kangal can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Kangals have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

OFA
CERF
Yearly Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Portuguese Water Dogs and Kangals compare?

Portuguese Water Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Kangals are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Portuguese Water Dog vs Kangal social needs comparison

Portuguese Water Dog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Kangal is an antisocial breed that prefers solitude and may not be suitable for social households.

Exercise Needed

Portuguese Water Dog vs Kangal exercise need comparison.

Portuguese Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Kangals need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Kangals have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dog minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Kangal drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals bark more/less frequently?

Compared to most other breeds, Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Territorial

Is the Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal a better guard dog?

While Portuguese Water Dog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Kangal dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Portuguese Water Dog vs Kangal?

Roaming urge

Portuguese Water Dog vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal entertained?

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

Walk

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals?

High

Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Medium

Kangals are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal walk each week?

10 miles / week

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal generally need a minimum of 10 miles of walking per week, but it can be increased as long as they are comfortable with it.

Activity per Day

Do Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most Portuguese Water Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

45 minutes

In general most Kangals usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals?

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal dogs?

Weekly

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Portuguese Water Dogs and Kangals?

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal in cups?

2.5 cups

For an average 42-60 pound (19 - 27 kg) Portuguese Water Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

4 cups

For an average 110-150 pound (50 - 68 kg) Kangal feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Kangal is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Water Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Kangal is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Portuguese Water Dogs vs Kangals

Portuguese Water Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Kangals are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Sensitivity Level

How do Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Kangal?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

The Kangal is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Child Friendly

Do Portuguese Water Dogs or Kangals have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Cat Friendly

Do Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Portuguese Water Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Kangals are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Kangals are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Pet friendly

How do Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Portuguese Water Dog or Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Portuguese Water Dog and Kangal?

Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Kangals have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Portuguese Water Dogs and Kangals compare?

Portuguese Water Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Kangals are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.