Irish Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog
Compare Irish Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 50 cm
43 – 57 cm
Weight
11 – 15 kg
16 – 25 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
5/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Portuguese Water Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
About Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a sturdy, medium‑sized, low‑shedding water lover with a curly or wavy coat. Intelligent, people‑oriented and energetic, it needs regular grooming, daily training, and plenty of exercise and swimming, thriving as an active, closely involved family companion.
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