Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Bernhardiner or PWD?
Compare the Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Bernhardiner or a PWD? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you
Other names
Bernhardiner, Chien St. Hubert, Sleuth Hound, St. Bernhardshund, St. Hubert Hound
Cao De Agua, Portie, Water Dog, PWD
Weight
What is the average weight of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?
80.0 pounds
( 36 kg )
47.5 pounds
( 22 kg )
Height
What is the average height of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog
25.5 inches
( 64.8 cm )
20.0 inches
( 50.8 cm )
Weight Gain Potential
Which breed eats more: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernard has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.
Portuguese Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.
Hypoallergenic
Are Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic, or neither?
No
Unfortunately, the Saint Bernard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
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.
Temperament
What are the personalities of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog dogs?
Friendly Independent Going Social Gentle Happy Quiet
Do Saint Bernards shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs, or which breed sheds more, Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs?
Saint Bernards are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.
Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.
Watchdog Ability
Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernards are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.
Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.
Origin
What is the origin of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog dog breeds?
Switzerland
Portugal
Ancestry
What are the origins of Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?
tibetan mastiff, great dane, greater swiss mountain dog, great pyrenees
poodle
Breed recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize/register Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?
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 Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club Federation Cynologique Internationale Australian National Kennel Council New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The Kennel Club
Date of Birth
When were Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds first developed?
980 AD
700 BC
Litter Size
What is the usual litter size for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?
8-10 puppies per pregnancy
A Saint Bernard can have a litter of 8-10 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.
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.
Adaptability
Saint Bernards are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.
Health Issues
Between Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog, which breed is more prone to health problems?
The Saint Bernard breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.
While the Portuguese Water Dog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?
Hip Dysplasia Addison's Disease Follicular Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?
Entropion Pyotraumatic Dermatitis Diabetes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Occasional Tests
What occasional tests are recommended for Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog breeds?
Cardiac Eye Hip Elbow Blood Test Blood And Urine Protein Screens X-Rays Eye Examination Physical Examination
Eye Hip Blood Test X-Rays Eye Examination Physical Examination
Energy
How do the energy levels of Saint Bernards and Portuguese Water Dogs compare?
Saint Bernards are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.
Portuguese Water Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.
Social Needs
Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog social needs comparison
Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog exercise need comparison.
Saint Bernards need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.
Portuguese Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.
Sleeping Need
Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernards are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.
Portuguese Water Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more/less, Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernard excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.
Portuguese Water Dog minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.
Tendency to Bark
Do Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs bark more/less frequently?
Saint Bernards are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.
Territorial
Is the Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog a better guard dog?
Saint Bernard dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.
While Portuguese Water Dog dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.
Mouthiness
Mouthiness Comparison: Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Roaming urge
Saint Bernard vs Labrador: Running away tendency?
Prey Drive
Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?
Past times
What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog entertained?
Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs?
Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.
Intelligence
Comparing Intelligence: Saint Bernards vs Portuguese Water Dogs
Saint Bernard has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.
Portuguese Water Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.
Sensitivity Level
How do Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog compare in sensitivity?
This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.
This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.
Affection Dependance
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Water Dog?
Apartment Friendly
Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernards are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.
Child Friendly
Do Saint Bernards or Portuguese Water Dogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?
Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog 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 - Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Cat Friendly
Do Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?
Saint Bernards are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.
Portuguese Water Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.
Dog Friendly
Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernards are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.
Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.
Pet friendly
How do Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog dogs interact with other pets?
Stranger Friendly
Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Saint Bernard or Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog 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 Saint Bernard and Portuguese Water Dog?
Saint Bernards are not known for being a highly playful breed.
Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.
Trainability
How do the trainability levels of Saint Bernards and Portuguese Water Dogs compare?
Saint Bernards may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.
Portuguese Water Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.
