MyDogBreeds
Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Borzoi is originated from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Borzoi. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Borzoi. Portuguese Water Dog may live 5 years more than Borzoi. Portuguese Water Dog may have less litter size than Borzoi. Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But Borzoi requires Moderate maintenance
The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.
He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.
Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.
They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.
Developed in Russia and also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was used to hunt wolf in the country. By 1873 there were only a few Borzoi which remained, and the Imperial Association was created to protect this graceful, elegant dog. They were often presented to European nobility as gifts, and thanks to a few dedicated breeders, the breed was saved from extinction and exported to other parts of the world. He was imported to the UK in the late 19th century, and it was Princess Alexandra who did a lot to increase the dog’s popularity in Britain.
The tall, slender, elegant dog was recognized by the AKC in 1891. The Borzoi Club of America, which started off being known as the Russian Wolfhound Club was formed but in 1936 the name was changed to Borzoi. The Russian world ‘Borzoi’ is a term used to encompass all Sight Hounds. Today he is no longer used for hunting but is a gentle companion.
Standing at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.
It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.
The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.
It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.
These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.
The Borzoi’s silky coat is longer with the male dogs than with the females. The height of these tall graceful dogs is 68 to 74cm. You’ll find that the Borzoi’s back is quite bony and it rises in a curve. He has a tall, lean body and a long, narrow head to match with small, thin ears which rest backwards towards the neck.The silky coat comes in a number of colors - tan, white, black or a mix such as sandy and white or tan and white. The coat is often wavy or slightly curly. The soft undercoat becomes thick in the Winter and he sheds this hair in hotter weather. You’ll find the coat frills on the neck and there is feathering on the hindquarters and with the long tail.
The Borzoi is a gentle, sweet dog, to such an extent that they don’t make good watch-dogs. He is good with other pets and children, although he isn’t the kind of dog to indulge in games with children. He doesn’t bark much and he is also not a high-energy dog, being fairly happy to make himself at home indoors. This is a faithful, loyal and courageous dog.
His temperament is quiet, sensitive, intelligent and somewhat aloof. Even though he has these quiet characteristics, he will still need training and socialization as this just rounds your dog off, making him a pleasure to have around.
With training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.
He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.
If you’re looking for a quiet, amicable, elegant breed, you’ll love the big Russian Borzoi, known for his gentleness, sweetness and gracefulness. He is a friendly dog with his human family, although not too keen on children with their boisterous games. It is his gentleness however, that has endeared him to so many dog lovers.
Even though he isn’t one of the most active dogs, he will still need exercise and a walk as he is a big dog used to wide, open spaces. He’ll need the opportunity every now and then to simply run.
He makes a wonderful pet for new- or seasoned pet owners, and if you’re looking for a quiet, devoted companion, why not welcome an elegant, graceful Borzoi into your home?
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.
This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.
This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.
Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.
The Borzoi is a healthy dog, and you’re not likely to be taking him to the veterinarian often but you do need to know about illnesses which are more prevalent in these large breed dogs.
This is a common bone tumor found in dogs and it is more commonly found in large breeds. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body, and although there are treatments, the long term prognosis isn’t good. Your dog will have pain and swelling.
Lymphosarcoma is a common cancer diagnosed in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes and the average dog gets it from 6 years on. Some dogs may not necessarily feel sick, while others are tired, they don’t eat, they lose weight and may have diarrhea.
This is a disease that can be deadly for your dog. Known as gastric dilatation, the stomach twists and fills with gas, putting pressure on the diaphragm, and creating breathing problems. Bloat is more common in large breeds and its up to you as a responsible dog owner to watch out for a swollen stomach with drooling and attempts to vomit.
Remember that some health problems are inherited, but there are other health problems that can be prevented by the way you treat- and raise your dog.
Your Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.
Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.
Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.
Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.
Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.
There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.
Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.
A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.
Long coated dogs shed, and the Borzoi female sheds after her season and the males shed annually. Once the female is spayed, she sheds like the males. You will need to be brushing your Borzoi every day to rid the dogs of this loose hair.
Borzoi teeth collect tartar, more so than with other breeds, so their teeth will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week with special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to prevent gum and tooth problems.
Good quality food is the foundation for good health with your pet. Home-made food is always good for your dog and should include meat, rice and vegetables. Apart from top quality commercially manufactured food for large breed dogs and recommended by your vet, make sure to include some raw meat into your Borzoi’s diet too. This is imperative to stave off ill health and skin problems. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available to him.