Portuguese Water Dog vs Saint Bernard
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large, gentle dog breed known for its impressive size, friendly demeanor, and history as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. Renowned for their loyalty and affectionate nature, these dogs make excellent family companions and are easily recognizable by their distinctive, expressive faces and thick, warm coats.
Extra Large
Medium
8-10 yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Hard |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Saint Bernard. |
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
Saint Bernard Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 30-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Grooming & Energy - owners underestimate coat maintenance leading to severe matting, Mouthiness in puppyhood surprises and overwhelms owners, Sheer amount of interaction the dog demands | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Portuguese Water Dog Social Traits
Medium
Generally friendly with proper socialization
Saint Bernard Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
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
Saint Bernard
- ** Positive reinforcement is mandatory. They are sensitive souls; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or become fearful.
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.
Saint Bernard Considerations
Despite their size, Saints are profoundly needy. They do not tolerate isolation well and can develop destructive separation anxiety. A 160lb dog with anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes.
While benevolent, they are not blindly obedient like a Golden Retriever. They possess a slow-burning stubbornness; if a Saint Bernard decides not to move, you cannot physically force them. This requires patience and psychological motivation rather than physical correction.
Between 8 and 24 months, they are essentially giant, clumsy puppies. They can unintentionally knock over children, grandparents, and furniture. Leash manners must be solidified before they reach full weight, or they will become dangerous to walk.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe if socialized - may chase running animals but usually stop when animal stops | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Caution - may try to chase and retrieve | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Not a livestock guardian - may try to herd or play with stock | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Medium |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
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 | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Challenging |
| Crate Training | High | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
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).
Saint Bernard: Saint Bernard puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 12-36 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 3-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 43-57 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 11–14 years | 8–10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Portuguese Water Dog Coat
Saint Bernard Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Fishing crew member - herding fish into nets, swimming messages between boats, retrieving broken nets and tackle | The Saint Bernard was developed by monks at the Great St |
| Origin | Portugal, coastal regions, centuries-old heritage | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Portuguese Water Dog Health Issues
Saint Bernard Health Issues
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)
Saint Bernard Suggested Tests
- OFA/PennHIP certifications for hips and elbows
- Ophthalmologist clearances for eyes
- Cardiac exams for heart health
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Moderate | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
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).
Saint Bernard Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Portuguese Water Dog
high maintenanceSaint Bernard
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Portuguese Water Dog Daily Life
Saint Bernard Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Extreme | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | High | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,500-4,500 | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $2,500–$4,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$300 | $180–$330 |
| Yearly Range | $2,500–$3,500 | $2,160–$3,960 |
| Food / Month | $60-90 | $100-180 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-80 | $80-150 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | $400-1,000 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Portuguese Water Dog Lifetime Cost
$30,000-50,000
Saint Bernard Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Portuguese Water Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | None | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Occasional |
| 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
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Portuguese Water Dog or Saint Bernard, 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 Portuguese Water Dog with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.
View Portuguese Water Dog profile·View Saint Bernard profile