Portuguese Water Dog vs Tosa
Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Tosa 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Tosa
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
43 – 57 cm
70 – 75 cm
Weight
16 – 25 kg
60 – 90 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
3/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Portuguese Water Dog
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Tosa
Low grooming
Easy to train
Giant
Summary
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.
About Tosa
The Tosa is a large, powerful Japanese breed, calm and dignified at home yet naturally protective. Loyal and often devoted to one person, it needs experienced handling, early socialisation and consistent training. Short-coated but high-commitment, it faces legal restrictions in some countries.
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