If you're looking for a dog to pair with your adorable Portuguese Water Dog, this piece's got you covered. The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is a medium-sized, intelligent, and affectionate dog. The breed is happily energetic and gets on well with other dogs. Originally bred to work alongside fishermen, PWDs are still known for their love of water.
They love playing in the water in just about any form a human can. Portuguese Water Dogs also love to run, chase balls and toys, and play outdoors. Having another dog to play with can be good for the PWD's physical and mental health. A Portuguese Water Dog's companion must be:
- Friendly
- Energetic
- Good with other dogs
- Similar in size (not necessary)
- Love water
- Playful
Any breed with the traits listed above will get along well with a Portuguese Water Dog. A dog of the following breeds can make a great companion for your PWD.
1. Another Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are compatible with each other, needless to say. Although PWDs are good with other dogs, they are best together with another PWD. PWDs have a unique way of playing and seeing two or more romping together will warm your heart. So physically and temperamentally, two Portuguese Water Dogs are a perfect match. Two dogs of the same gender and breed don't always get along. So for your PWD, it's best to get another PWD that is the opposite gender.
As a fun fact, the Portuguese Water Dog gained exposure and popularity from its association with former U.S. President Barack Obama and his family. During his first term in the White House, Obama had a PWD named Bo. During his second term, Obama added another PWD named Sunny to his family. Since becoming First Dogs, PWDs have gained fame in the United States and rank 49th on AKC's list of the most popular breeds of 2023.
2. Standard Poodle
Considered the second most intelligent dog after the Border Collie, the poodle is a breed of water dog. The breed comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard poodles usually stand over 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, making them a perfect match for Portuguese Water Dogs, in terms of size. PWDs weigh around 35-60 pounds and stand from 17 to 23 inches tall. In terms of temperament, both breeds are a good match as well.
Generally, poodles are energetic, playful dogs with a kind and friendly personality. As previously mentioned, poodles are a breed of water dog and like the Portuguese Water Dog, they love to swim and play in the water. Both breeds have water-resistant coats that don't weigh them down as they swim. All things considered, the Standard Poodle will make a great companion for a Portuguese Water Dog.
3. Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle is a hybrid dog, a mix between a Standard poodle and an Australian shepherd, two of the smartest dog breeds on earth. Aussiedoodles come in three sizes: Standard, Medium, and Toy. The Standard Aussiedoodle is a perfect match for a Portuguese Water Dog, as it stands 15-25 inches tall and weighs 40-70 pounds. Generally, Aussiedoodles are energetic, friendly, and playful. Due to their friendly and playful nature, Aussiedoodles often make fantastic companions for other dogs. Most Aussiedoodles really love to swim, partly due to the Poodle's water dog heritage.
4. Goldendoodle
Like the Aussiedoodle, the Goldendoodle isn't a purebred. It's an offspring of a Golden retriever and a Standard poodle. A Goldendoodle could make a great companion for your Portuguese Water Dog, particularly if your PWD is still fairly young and energetic. Both dogs share many personality traits, including a love of water, similarities in size and energy, and a love of play. The Goldendoodle is divided into three varieties based on size, the Standard Goldendoodle, Miniature Goldendoodle, and Toy Goldendoodle.
The Standard Goldendoodle stands from 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. A Standard Goldendoodle can make an excellent playmate for your PWD. Generally, Goldendoodles are energetic and playful. Due to their parents' breeds (Golden Retriever and Poodle), most Goldendoodles are naturally good swimmers. They are typically friendly and make perfect playmates for other dogs.
5. Spanish Water Dog
Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Spanish Water Dog are known for their love of water. They are both smart, adorable, friendly, and energetic. The PWD is slightly larger than the SWD. Both breeds are highly trainable, loyal, and playful. SWDs probably share common ancestors with PWDs. However, the SWD is a dual-purpose breed, used as both a sheepherder and a waterfowl retriever. These versatile dogs are highly intelligent and active, both mentally and physically. They're very friendly, get on well with other dogs, and make excellent family pets.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
All water dogs, including the PWD, are thought to be descended from the Lagotto Romagnolo. Originally bred to hunt waterfowl, the Lagotto Romagnolo is prized today for its ability to hunt for truffles. In fact, according to the AKC, Lagotto Romagnolos are the only purebred dog known as a specialized truffle searcher. Nevertheless, they haven’t lost their love for water, so they are still great swimmers. As such, Lagotto Romagnolos can get along very well with the Portuguese Water Dog. Both breeds are energetic, friendly, affectionate, and can get bored if left alone.
7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Known as the smallest of the retriever breeds, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a playful, active dog breed from Canada. Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl, Duck Tolling Retrievers are well adapted to water, and they love it! This is a medium-sized dog, standing 18 – 21 inches tall and weighing between 38 and 51 pounds. As a water dog, the Duck Tolling Retriever can get along well with your Portuguese Water Dog, and both breeds have a lot in common. They are both energetic and playful and can keep each other entertained. Duck Tolling Retrievers may be more active than PWDs though, so they may need more exercise.
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