Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Portuguese Water Dog and Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Medium
19–27 kg
Curly or wavy, water-resistant
11–13 years
16–23 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
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
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience