Portuguese Water Dog vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Portuguese Water Dog and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Portuguese Water Dog
Energetic, loyal, and highly trainable, this breed thrives in active families and loves water-based activities. Curly-coated and affectionate, it forms strong bonds with both adults and children.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
19–27 kg
Curly or wavy, water-resistant
11–13 years
16–23 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Portuguese Water Dog
Outgoing and affectionate with family and friends
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly energetic, needs plenty of daily activity
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Portuguese Water Dog
Good with guidance
Needs consistent training and socialization to thrive with new owners
Needs space
Active breed may feel cramped in small apartments without daily exercise
Excellent match
Thrives in homes with regular activity and outdoor opportunities
Family friendly
Energetic but gentle, usually good with respectful young children
Generally compatible
Social and adaptable with proper introductions to other pets
Not recommended
Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Portuguese Water Dog
- Excellent swimmer and natural water retriever
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Loyal and forms strong family bonds
- Generally healthy with robust constitution
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic curly coat
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Portuguese Water Dog
- Needs daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation
- Can be prone to separation anxiety
- Regular grooming required to prevent matting
- May become destructive if bored or under-stimulated
- Can be wary of strangers without early socialization
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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