While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Swissneese is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Protective
Alert
Confident
Affectionate
Patient
Devoted
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Selfish
Fearless
Good-natured
Confidence

Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Swissneeses are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Portugal

United States

poodle

Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain

American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

700 BC

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Black
White
Brown

Brindle
Pied
White
Fawn
Cream
Brown
Black

Portuguese Water Dogs have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Swissneeses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Curly

Wavy

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Swissneese can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Swissneeses are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

While the Portuguese Water Dog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Swissneeses typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Gastric Torsion
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Entropion
Distichiasis
Cataracts

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood and Urine Tests

Portuguese Water Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Swissneeses are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Portuguese Water Dog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Swissneese has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Portuguese Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Swissneeses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Portuguese Water Dog dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

The Swissneese is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

Frisbee, Swimming, Fetch, Digging, Dog Parks, Playing, Sleeping, Run, Swim, Catch treats, Play keep away, Play

Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Swissneeses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Water Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Swissneese, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Portuguese Water Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Swissneeses usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Portuguese Water Dog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Swissneese has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Portuguese Water Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Swissneese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 42-60 pound (19 - 27 kg) Portuguese Water Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 100-130 pound (45 - 59 kg) Swissneese feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Swissneese is somewhere $4.50 - $5.60 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Water Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Swissneese is between $134 - $168. This makes an average of $1608 - $2016 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Portuguese Water Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Swissneeses are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Swissneeses can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Swissneeses have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.