Toy Schnauzer vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Toy Schnauzer may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Toy Schnauzer may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Toy Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Both Toy Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog has same litter size. Toy Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance. But Portuguese Water Dog requires Low maintenance

History

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.

Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Portugal
Height Male:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature Schnauzer
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
Black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
Medium length, hard and wiry
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.

He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.

Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.

These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.

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.

Characteristics

The Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.

A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.

With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.

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.

Health Problems

Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.

Some of these are -

Cataracts:

You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.

Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.

Bladder Infection:

A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.

The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.

Congenital Megaesophagus: 

This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.

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.

Caring The Pet

Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.

Diet:

No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.

These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.

Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.

Exercise:

Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.

Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Schnauzer vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Schnauzer vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Schnauzer vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Toy Schnauzer vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Schnauzer vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Schnauzer vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Schnauzer vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Schnauzer vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Schnauzer vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Schnauzer vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Schnauzer vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Schnauzer vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Schnauzer vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Schnauzer vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Schnauzer vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Schnauzer vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Schnauzer vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Schnauzer vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Schnauzer vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Schnauzer vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds