Border Collie vs Portuguese Water Dog
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Border Collie
Also known as: Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
The Border Collie is the world's most intelligent dog breed, renowned for its exceptional herding abilities and intense work drive. Originating from the Anglo-Scottish border region, this breed requires significant mental and physical engagement daily - making it ideal for experienced owners who can provide structured activities and a job to do.
Medium
High
12-15 yrs
46-56 cm
Portuguese Water Dog
Also known as: PWD, Portie, Cão de Água Português, Obama Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is a highly energetic and intelligent breed known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and exceptional swimming abilities. Originally bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen—herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and swimming messages between boats—they are devoted 'Velcro dogs' who bond intensely with their families.
Medium
High
11-14 yrs
43-57 cm
16-27 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Advanced | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family with older children (8+). Has time for 90+ minutes daily of structured exercise and training. Experience with high-drive breeds. Ideally involved in dog sports (agility, flyball, herding trials). Has secure fenced yard. | Active individual or family willing to hire professional groomer. Works from home or can provide midday activity. Has access to swimming opportunities. Tolerant of a shadow dog that demands interaction. |
Border Collie Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a dog to sit after a 20-minute walk, do not get a Border Collie
- Apartment living without extreme dedication to exercise
- Young children (toddlers) - herding nipping is dangerous
- Cannot tolerate high-pitched barking
Portuguese Water Dog Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you hate walking/swimming, this dog becomes neurotic and destructive
- Budget constraints - if $100/month for grooming is a hardship
- Long work hours - if everyone is gone 9-5 without dog walker or daycare
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Hyperactive/destructive behavior - owners underestimate mental stimulation needs, Aggression (often fear-based reactivity or herding nipping misidentified as aggression), Surrendered most frequently between 1-2 years of age | Grooming & Energy - owners underestimate coat maintenance leading to severe matting, Mouthiness in puppyhood surprises and overwhelms owners, Sheer amount of interaction the dog demands |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Border Collie Social Traits
High
Generally good with dogs, individual varies
Portuguese Water Dog Social Traits
Medium
Generally friendly with proper socialization
Training
Border Collie
- Use their food motivation for training
- Redirect herding instinct into appropriate outlets (fetch, agility)
- Teach 'place' command early for settling
- Keep training sessions short and varied - they get bored with repetition
Portuguese Water Dog
- Use high-value treats and toys - 'Because it pays well' works better than 'Because I said so'
- Keep sessions varied and engaging - they get bored with repetition
- Channel mouthiness into retrieving games and teaching them to carry objects
Border Collie Considerations
Unlike breeds that chew a shoe when bored, an under-stimulated Border Collie may deconstruct drywall, develop OCD behaviors like shadow chasing, or herd children by nipping their heels.
Among the most susceptible breeds to noise phobias (thunder, fireworks, traffic). This sensitivity often triggers reactivity toward moving objects - cars, joggers, and bicycles.
Most Border Collies do not come with a factory-installed 'off switch.' They must be taught to settle, otherwise they will pace and stare at owners indefinitely.
The herding instinct (nipping heels) makes them a poor fit for toddlers. They will instinctively try to control children's movement.
Portuguese Water Dog Considerations
PWDs were bred to work on small fishing boats alongside their masters all day. They follow you into the bathroom and may develop severe separation anxiety if left alone 8+ hours. Prone to demand barking and whining if ignored.
As a retriever breed, they interact with the world through their mouths. PWD puppies are notoriously 'nippy' and oral—this is not aggression but can be painful and frightening for young children.
This breed is famous for dancing on hind legs and jumping up to greet faces. While charming to some, it's a significant fall risk for elderly owners or small children.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $100-150 is mandatory, not optional. Neglecting this leads to severe matting that damages skin and requires shave-down.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Risk of harassment - will stare and block the cat, causing immense stress | Generally safe if socialized - may chase running animals but usually stop when animal stops |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - prey drive triggers with small fleeing animals (rabbits, squirrels) | Caution - may try to chase and retrieve |
| Birds / Reptiles | Poultry compatible if trained, but untrained herding instinct can stress chickens to death | Not a livestock guardian - may try to herd or play with stock |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | High | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Border Collie: Predatory sequence is Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are genetically inhibited to protect sheep. However, in high-arousal state (screaming child running), inhibition can slip, leading to a 'nip.' Extremely biddable - lives to work *with* you, but soft and crumbles under harsh punishment.
Portuguese Water Dog: Predatory sequence: Orient -> Eye -> Stalk -> Chase -> Grab-Bite. The Kill-Bite and Dissect phases are inhibited. This makes them generally safe with other dogs and often cats, though they may annoy them.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Easy | Moderate |
| Crate Training | High | High |
| Adolescent Regression |
Border Collie: Border Collie puppies are 'land sharks' - they instinctively nip at moving heels (kids, runners). This is herding instinct, not aggression. Redirecting this behavior is the primary challenge of the first year. Between 6-18 months, they often become reactive to motion or noise - this is a critical window where fear periods can become lifelong phobias.
Portuguese Water Dog: PWD puppies are 'land sharks' - their retrieving instinct manifests as severe nipping and mouthing. Combined with high intelligence and energy, they require more management than a Golden Retriever (6/10) but less than a Malinois (9/10).
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 12-36 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 3-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-4 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 46-56 cm | 43-57 cm |
| Weight | N/A | 16-27 kg |
| Size Category | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 11-14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Border Collie Coat
Portuguese Water Dog Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Gathering sheep from wide hills using 'eye' (intense staring) and 'stalking' rather than barking or nipping | Fishing crew member - herding fish into nets, swimming messages between boats, retrieving broken nets and tackle |
| Origin | Anglo-Scottish border region, 19th century | Portugal, coastal regions, centuries-old heritage |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.8m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Border Collie Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog Health Issues
Border Collie Suggested Tests
- Genetic panel: CEA
- Genetic panel: TNS
- Genetic panel: NCL
- Genetic panel: MDR1
- Genetic panel: Glaucoma (Goniodysgenesis)
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
Portuguese Water Dog Suggested Tests
- prcd-PRA DNA test
- EOPRA DNA test
- JDCM DNA test
- GM-1 DNA test
- OFA Hip Evaluations (or PennHIP)
- Annual Eye Exams (CAER)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | High | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Moderate |
| Food Allergies | Various - individual dependent |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Border Collie Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Vision decline
- Hearing loss
- Cognitive decline
Energy fades but the mind remains active. Arthritis is the main enemy. Mental enrichment remains important even as physical activity decreases.
Portuguese Water Dog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Cataracts/PRA progression
- Addison's Disease (can appear at any age)
- Hip dysplasia complications
Slow down significantly around 9+. Watch for clouding eyes (cataracts/PRA) and stiffness (arthritis).
Grooming & Care
Border Collie
high maintenancePortuguese Water Dog
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Border Collie Daily Life
Portuguese Water Dog Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Extreme |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Medium |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $700-2,500 | $2,500-4,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $700–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$180 | $150–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $1,200–$2,200 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $60-90 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-60 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-75 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $200-500 | $400-1,000 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Border Collie Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Portuguese Water Dog Lifetime Cost
$30,000-50,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Border Collie | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | None |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Border Collie Quirks
The Stare
Will stare at you for hours waiting for a signal - this is the 'eye' used in herding
Light/Shadow Chasing
A serious OCD behavior where the dog fixates on laser pointers, reflections, or shadows. NEVER use laser pointers with this breed - it can induce permanent neurological fixation
Herding Objects
May try to herd vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, or children - driven by instinct to control movement
Border Collie Collapse (BCC)
Exercise-induced nervous system disorder where dog becomes disoriented or collapses after intense activity - distinct from heatstroke, is genetic
Portuguese Water Dog Quirks
Counter Surfing Ninjas
Their intelligence and food motivation make them expert kitchen thieves - they can steal food with impressive stealth
The Portie Greeting
Famous for dancing on hind legs and jumping up to greet faces - can be a fall risk for elderly or children
The Talker
They 'talk' with grumbles, moans, and varied barks as common ways to communicate their needs
Water Obsession
Most will dive into any body of water including mud puddles and swimming pools
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Border Collie or Portuguese Water Dog, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Compare Border Collie with:
Compare Portuguese Water Dog with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.
View Border Collie profile·View Portuguese Water Dog profile