What is the difference between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog?

When comparing Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Border Collie

5/6

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?

SheepdogScotch Sheep Dog

Cao De AguaPortieWater Dog

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Size Classification

Which is bigger: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Large

Medium

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed is heavier?

Male: 14-20 kgFemale: 12-19 kg

Male: 19-25 kgFemale: 16-22 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 17 kgFemale: 15.6 kg

Male: 22 kgFemale: 19.1 kg

Height

Which is taller, Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog? Is a Border Collie taller than a Portuguese Water Dog?

Male: 48-56 cmFemale: 46-53 cm

Male: 50-57 cmFemale: 43-52 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 52 cmFemale: 49.5 cm

Male: 53.5 cmFemale: 47.5 cm

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for intelligence rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for watchdog rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for training difficulty (4/5).

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for territorial protection, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring lower at 3/5.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog. Which breed costs more?

💵$600-$800

💰$2500-$2800

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest availability rating of 5/5.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog. How do their temperaments differ?

IntelligentAlertTenaciousProtectiveEnergeticResponsiveLoyal

BraveImpetuousObedientDocileIntelligentQuarrelsome

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for sensitivity level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for impulse to wander or roam (3/5).

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for prey drive (3/5).

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for social needs (5/5).

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

2/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for barking frequency (2/5).

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for playful nature, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

2/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Portuguese Water Dog performs best for apartment adaptability, with a rating of 4/5, while Border Collie, scoring lower at 2/5.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for lifestyle adaptability (5/5).

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

❌Very Low

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Bite Risk Assessment

Which has lower bite risk: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare biting tendencies.

🟢Low

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for mouthing tendency (5/5).

Bite Strength Rating

Which has a stronger bite: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare bite force PSI.

🐕Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare average lifespans.

💚11-15 years

💙10-14 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare climate tolerances.

❄️Prefers average to cold weather conditions

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for health concerns (3/5).

Health Problems

Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog health problems comparison:

AllergiesCollie Eye AnomalyEpilepsyHip DysplasiaOsteochondrosis DissecansProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Hip DysplasiaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Persistent Pupillary MembranesEntropionEctropionDistichiasisCataractsAbnormally Small EyesGM-1 Storage DiseaseJuvenile Dilated CardiomyopathyGastrointestinal DiseasesIrritable Bowel Disease (ibd)ColitisMegaesophagusHemorrhagic GastroenteritisLymphangiectasiaAddison's Disease

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare veterinary requirements.

🏥Average

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (5/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (1/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for activity requirement / exercise need, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for obesity tendency (3/5).

Food Consumption

Which eats more: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare daily food needs.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

✅Yes

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog? Compare breed colors.

Black & WhiteTricolorTanBlue merleBlue merle-tricolorSlate merleRed merleBlackBrindleGoldLilacRedSableSable MerleSaddleback SableWhite & BlueWhite & Blue MerleWhite & RedWhite & Red MerleWhite TickedSealSlateWhite & GoldWhite & SableWhite & Seal

WhiteBrownBlack

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for grooming requirements (3/5).

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

1/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for shedding level, with a rating of 3/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring lower at 1/5.

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for drooling tendency (1/5).

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

👃👃👃👃👃Low

Coat Characteristics

How do coats differ between a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare fur types.

FeatheredModerately LongShortStraightDense

Curly

Bathing Needs

Which needs more baths: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.

🛁6-8 weeks

🚿3-4 weeks

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Portuguese Water Dog performs best for cat friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while Border Collie, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: Border Collie performs best for child compatibility, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Portuguese Water Dog, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Portuguese Water Dog performs best for dog friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while Border Collie, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog are tied with the highest rating for stranger friendly (3/5).

Office Friendly

Are Border Collie dogs good office canines? Do Border Collie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Portuguese Water Dog temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

💚Highly Recommended

👍Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare compatibility.

🐶Average

🐕Good

Good For First Time Owners

Is Border Collie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Border Collie breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Service Dog Capability

Which makes a better service dog: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare service capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Which is better for therapy work: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

✅Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: a Border Collie or a Portuguese Water Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Puppy Litter Size

Compare litter sizes between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which has larger litters?

🐶🐶🐶🐶4-8 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

Compare pregnancy duration between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog breeds.

🤰60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

AKC Classification

Compare AKC classifications of Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which groups do they belong to?

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.

FCI Classification

Compare FCI classifications of Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which groups are they in?

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

Compare kennel club recognition between Border Collie and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is more widely recognized?

🏅American Canine Registry🏅American Kennel Club🏅America's Pet Registry🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.🏅The American Int. Border Collie Registry🏅The American Border Collie Association

🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅American Kennel Club🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅The Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅United Kennel Club

Border Collie

Portuguese Water Dog

Basic Info

Origin

Scotland

England

Portugal

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Working Dogs

Popularity

#38

#54

Common Names & Aliases

SheepdogScotch Sheep Dog

Cao De AguaPortieWater Dog

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Large

Medium

Weight Statistics

Male: 14-20 kg, Female: 12-19 kg

Male: 19-25 kg, Female: 16-22 kg

Average Weight

Male: 17 kg, Female: 15.6 kg

Male: 22 kg, Female: 19.1 kg

Height

Male: 48-56 cm, Female: 46-53 cm

Male: 50-57 cm, Female: 43-52 cm

Average Height

Male: 52 cm, Female: 49.5 cm

Male: 53.5 cm, Female: 47.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

5/5

4/5

Watchdog Rating

5/5

4/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

Territorial Protection

5/5

3/5

Price Range

$600-$800

$2500-$2800

Availability

5/5

Personality Traits

IntelligentAlertTenaciousProtectiveEnergeticResponsiveLoyal

BraveImpetuousObedientDocileIntelligentQuarrelsome

Sensitivity Level

5/5

4/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

3/5

Prey Drive

3/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

5/5

Barking Frequency

2/5

Playful Nature

5/5

4/5

Apartment Adaptability

2/5

4/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Very Low

Bite Risk Assessment

Low

Mouthing Tendency

5/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Average Lifespan

11-15 years

10-14 years

Climate Tolerance

Prefers average to cold weather conditions

Health Concerns

3/5

Health Problems

AllergiesCollie Eye AnomalyEpilepsyHip DysplasiaOsteochondrosis DissecansProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Vet Care Frequency

Average

Energy Rating

5/5

Sleeping Need

1/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

5/5

4/5

Obesity Tendency

3/5

Food Consumption

1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Allergy Friendliness

Yes

Coat Colors

WhiteBrownBlack

Grooming Requirements

3/5

Shedding Level

3/5

1/5

Drooling Tendency

1/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

Low

Coat Characteristics

FeatheredModerately LongShortStraightDense

Curly

Bathing Needs

6-8 weeks

3-4 weeks

Cat Friendly

3/5

4/5

Child Compatibility

5/5

4/5

Dog Friendly

3/5

4/5

Stranger Friendly

3/5

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Highly Recommended

Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Average

Good

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Yes

Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Yes

Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Yes

Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Yes

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Not really

Puppy Litter Size

4-8 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.

FCI Classification

Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.The American Int. Border Collie RegistryThe American Border Collie Association

Federation Cynologique InternationaleAmerican Kennel ClubAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubThe Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Winner / Best value

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Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration