Old English Sheepdog vs Portuguese Water Dog
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy herding breed known for its distinctive shaggy double coat and gentle, playful disposition. Originally bred in England for driving cattle and sheep, this affectionate and intelligent breed is also a beloved family companion.
Extra Large
High
10-12 years yrs
56+ cm 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 | Old English Sheepdog | 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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Large | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Old English Sheepdog. | 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. |
Old English Sheepdog Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | 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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Old English Sheepdog Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Portuguese Water Dog Social Traits
Medium
Generally friendly with proper socialization
Training
Old English Sheepdog
- Keep training sessions short and varied
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
Old English Sheepdog Considerations
This is a "Velcro" breed in the truest sense. They were bred to work closely with shepherds and drovers, never straying far. In a modern home, this translates to a dog that may panic when left alone. Destructive chewing, howling, and house soiling are common symptoms of distress if isolation training is not started immediately in puppyhood.
The OES has a unique, ringing bark often described as "two pots clanging together." It is loud, deep, and can become a nuisance. They are alert watchdogs and will vocalize at delivery trucks, neighbors, and squirrels. This makes them poor candidates for apartments with noise restrictions.
As a drover's dog, the OES controls movement. In a family setting, this often manifests as nipping at the heels of running children or "body checking" people to move them. While not aggressive, this behavior can be frightening for toddlers and annoying for guests.
While generally social, some OES lines—particularly males—can develop aggression toward other dogs of the same sex around social maturity (18-24 months). This requires vigilant management in multi-dog households.
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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Generally safe if socialized - may chase running animals but usually stop when animal stops |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Caution - may try to chase and retrieve |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Not a livestock guardian - may try to herd or play with stock |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | High |
| Adolescent Regression |
Old English Sheepdog: Old English Sheepdog puppies require consistent training and patience.
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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 12-36 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 3-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 56+ cm cm | 43-57 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Large | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 11–14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Old English Sheepdog Coat
Portuguese Water Dog Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | massive, profuse coats that are nearly impossible for a pet owner to maintain without cutting | Fishing crew member - herding fish into nets, swimming messages between boats, retrieving broken nets and tackle |
| Origin | predators | Portugal, coastal regions, centuries-old heritage |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Old English Sheepdog Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog Health Issues
Old English Sheepdog Suggested Tests
- OFA/PennHIP certificates (Hip Dysplasia)
- DNA test for MDR1
- DNA test for PCD
- Annual CAER ophthalmologist exams (Hereditary Cataracts)
- Thyroid panel (Hypothyroidism)
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 | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Moderate |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Old English Sheepdog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
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
Old English Sheepdog
high maintenancePortuguese Water Dog
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Old English Sheepdog Daily Life
Portuguese Water Dog Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Extreme |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Medium |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $2,500-4,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$180 | $150–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $1,200–$2,160 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Food / Month | $70-120 | $60-90 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $400-1,000 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Old English Sheepdog Lifetime Cost
N/A
Portuguese Water Dog Lifetime Cost
$30,000-50,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Old English Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | None |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
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
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