Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pomeranian Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- The Popularity of Pomeranian versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Pomeranians shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog
- How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pomeranian Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pomeranian and for the Portuguese Water Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pomeranian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pomeranian to the Portuguese Water Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Pomeranian | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 7 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2150 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $2000 – $2850 |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 77.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 22 | 50 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Portuguese Water Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Portuguese Water Dog, we still believe that the Pomeranian is a better pet than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog.
The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog weighs 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. The Portuguese Water Dog is 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog
Pomeranian Colors
The Pomeranian comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Merle (Blue)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Pomeranian comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Apricot / Beige
Portuguese Water Dog Colors
The Portuguese Water Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
The Portuguese Water Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of the Portuguese Water Dog is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Portuguese Water Dog is 12.0 years.
The Pomeranian live longer than the Portuguese Water Dog.
Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 percent while the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2510. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2850. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 329 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Pomeranian.
| Pomeranian | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2150 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $2000 to $2850 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Pomeranian puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Pomeranian versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pomeranian is more popular with dog owners than the Portuguese Water Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pomeranian is 22 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pomeranian
Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog
| Year | Pomeranian Popularity Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 49 |
| 2014 | 20 | 52 |
| 2015 | 21 | 52 |
| 2016 | 22 | 51 |
| 2017 | 22 | 54 |
| 2018 | 23 | 50 |
| 2019 | 24 | 49 |
| 2020 | 23 | 49 |
| 2021 | 24 | 44 |
Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Pomeranian.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Pomeranian.
6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
Pomeranian Health Problems
Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pomeranians for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians here.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians and Portuguese Water Dogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.
This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog:
| Disease | Pomeranian Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 1 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 49 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 75 out of 198 dog breeds | 94 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 89 out of 115 dog breeds | 59 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 171 out of 182 dog breeds | 140 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Early Onset Pra problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 15 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 111 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog
Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Pomeranians shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog
Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Portuguese Water Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:
Pomeranian versus Peek A Poo Pomeranian versus Standard Poodle Pomeranian versus Pomeranian Pomeranian versus Carolina Dog Pomeranian versus Alaskan Malamute Pomeranian versus Sheepadoodle Pomeranian versus Akbash Pomeranian versus Bolognese Pomeranian versus Pomsky Pomeranian versus Brussels Griffon Pomeranian versus Keeshond Pomeranian versus Australian Shepherd Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer Pomeranian versus Cavapoo Pomeranian versus Shihpoo Pomeranian versus Great Dane Pomeranian versus Dalmatian Pomeranian versus Yorkipoo
Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pomeranian and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.