Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but German Spitz (Klein) is originated from Germany. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 29 cm / 12 inches higher than German Spitz (Klein). Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than German Spitz (Klein). Both Portuguese Water Dog and German Spitz (Klein) has same life span. Portuguese Water Dog may have more litter size than German Spitz (Klein). Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But German Spitz (Klein) requires Moderate maintenance

History

portuguese water dog - historyThe 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.

german spitz klein - historyAlso referred to as the Miniature Spitz, the German Spitz is believed to have descended from the Nordic Samoyed and Lapphund. Some dog experts say they were developed from the larger European Spitz, and that they were once referred to as Pomeranians.

It is also thought that these dogs were in all likelihood brought over to Germany during the Middle Ages. This gives you an idea as to how ancient the breed is. There are actually 4 different Spitz breeds, divided by their sizes.

The dogs were originally used as herding and guard dogs, but today you could say that this toy breed is essentially a companion dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Portugal
Germany
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Deutscher Spitz Klein
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
black or mixture of these, Fawn, reddish, brown, cream
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Long, dense and straight
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding 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.

Temparament:

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.

german spitz klein puppy - descriptionClassified as a toy breed, the German Spitz Klein looks like a small fox with his thick fur. He stands at between 23 – 28cm in height and he weighs 5 to 10kg.

He has a sharp foxy face with small pointed upright ears and dark, bright eyes.

The double coat of the dog which can be fawn, cream, reddish, brown or black or a mixture of these colors, is straight, vibrant and off-standing to look at. He has a soft woolly undercoat. The tail of the dog curls up over the back.

Temperament:

The German Spitz Klein has got such a bright little face. He is a social, friendly dog, forming a strong bond with his human family. He is a smart dog too and can be easily trained.

Lively and independent, he is bold and adventurous. Even with a small dog like this, he will do well to be trained and socialized as he just becomes a better dog -obedient and relaxed around strange people and dogs.

Because of his size, he adapts well to life in the city or in the countryside. This is also because he doesn’t require a lot of exercise. The litter size for the German Spitz Klein is between 1 and 5 puppies.

Characteristics

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith 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.

german spitz klein dog - characteristicsThis litle dog is seriously a case of ‘dynamite in a small package’. Bold, daring, brave, spunky, clever, playful and friendly, your confident little German Spitz Klein makes most families the perfect pet and companion.

Give him the love and attention he deserves, especially because he is undemanding and low maintenance, and with good care you’re going to have a most adoring companion for more than a decade.

Health Problems

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese 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.

Hip Dysplasia:

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.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

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.

german spitz klein puppies - health problemsYou’ve got a pretty healthy little dog breed but be that as it may, it doesn’t make him totally immune to some of the common dog diseases there are. With him, you might want to look out for eye disease and epilepsy.

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma occurs when there is pressure in the eye. Your dog will have pain, red eyes, dilated pupils, increased tear production and corneal cloudiness. You want to have him at the vet for this because putting off treatment can lead to blindness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This is a condition that can gradually lead to blindness even though the eyes look normal. Difficulty with seeing at night is one symptom. Fortunately the condition is painless and your dog finds ways to cope with the problem.

It is always a good idea when you suspect anything wrong with your pet, to get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour 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.

Diet:

german spitz klein dogs - caringAs a feisty small-sized dog breed, your foxy little German Spitz Klein needs to get the very best food there is. If you are going to feed him a high-quality commercial dog food, make sure to read the ingredients on the packaging and buy him food according to his size and age. Mix in some home-made food from time to time and always ensure he has constant access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Grooming:

He has a fairly long, thick coat, so a good brush twice a week will be adequate. While you’re brushing him, check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Always check his teeth and brush them a couple of times a week too. Bad teeth can cause a host of problems, not only with the teeth, but other parts of the body too.

Exercise:

He is an active, jaunty little dog that loves all kinds of games. Being a small breed, he isn’t going to be the kind of dog that you need to include in your jogging or cycling trips, but he is no couch potato, and he will love to go on a walk with you, and it also does him good to get out and about for a change of scenery.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  34. Jug vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Pinscher vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  36. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  40. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. German Spitz (Klein) vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  43. German Spitz (Klein) vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  44. German Spitz (Klein) vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  45. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  46. German Spitz (Klein) vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  47. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  48. German Spitz (Klein) vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  49. German Spitz (Klein) vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  50. German Spitz (Klein) vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds