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Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Cao De Agua or Berner?

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Bernese Mountain Dog
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank5425
Reviews56
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is the Portuguese Water Dog bigger than the Bernese Mountain Dog breed? Is a Portuguese Water Dog smaller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog weight comparison:
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Is a Portuguese Water Dog taller than a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 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: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog?
$2500-$2800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog smarter? Which is best? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog intelligence:
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? 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.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? 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.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog playfulness comparison:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Portuguese Water Dog more dangerous than a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog lifespan comparison. How long do Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
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 cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog energy level comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Does the Portuguese Water Dog breed eat more than the Bernese Mountain Dog breed?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 6 to 8 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 Bernese Mountain Dog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog coat comparison:
Curly Dense
Colors
What are the original Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog color? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog color comparison:
Black
White
Brown
Black
White
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog grooming comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed more than Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?

Low 🔽

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

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bernese Mountain Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Can a Portuguese Water Dog and a Bernese Mountain Dog be friends? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with Bernese Mountain Dog dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog 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
Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Portuguese Water Dog or Bernese Mountain Dog? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.
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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog?

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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 Bernese Mountain Dog have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog 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 1937 as a Working 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
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

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