Published Wednesday, August 18, 2021 by PremierPups
The Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle are two very rare and highly sought-after breeds. These two wonderful breeds are known for their brilliant minds, affectionate nature, and fun personalities. If you find yourself wanting to choose between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle, read on to learn about what qualities they share and some of their differences.
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Table of Contents
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Overview
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as Portie, PWD, and Cao de Agua is one of the rarest breeds in the canine kingdom. As their name suggests, the Portuguese Water Dogs come from the Algarve region of Portugal. They are a centuries-old breed known for their great love of water, high trainability, and sweet nature.
These amazing dogs are loyal, fun-loving, adaptable, and wonderful with kids. They are a non-aggressive breed and a fantastic family pet. The precious gems of dogdom, Porties are not a very common breed but rather rare and highly sought-after. The Portuguese Water Dog breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1984 as a member of the Working Group.
Mini Portidoodle Overview
The Mini Portidoodle, also known as Mini Portipoo and Mini Portidoo is the newest member of the Designer Doodle Breed world, having originated in the United States only a few years ago. A cross between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Miniature Poodle, the Mini Portidoodles are favored for their affectionate nature, adventurous personality, and great agility.
As the offspring of two Einstein dogs, the Mini Portidoodle is highly intelligent and very easy to train with an eagerness to learn that is rarely matched. These gorgeous dogs are playful, athletic, happy, and a hundred percent devoted to their owners. They are great with kids and excellent family dogs. As a new Doodle breed, the Mini Portidoodle is yet to be recognized by any Kennel Club.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Overview Comparison
The first aspect that stands out between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle is their breed status. The Portuguese Water Dog is a purebred breed whereas the Mini Portididoodle is a designer mixed breed. Both breeds are great with kids and equally charming. The Portuguese Water Dog is also one of the Mini Portidoodle’s parent breeds. Both the Mini Portidoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are rare dogs that are not as easy to come by as other breeds.
As a mixed Doodle breed, the Mini Portidoodle has hybrid vigor and is generally healthier than both parent breeds.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Overview Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Portuguese Water Dog | Mini Portidoodle |
| Parent breeds | Portuguese Water Dog | Portuguese Water Dog, Mini Poodle |
| Place of origin | Portugal | US |
| Date of origin | 1297 | 2010 |
| Purpose | Retriever | Companionship, hypoallergenic pet |
| Breed type | Purebred breed | Poodle mix, doodle breed |
| Other names | Portie, Cao de Agua | Mini Portipoo, Mini Portidoo, Portie Poodle mix |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Temperament
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dogs are even-tempered, friendly, and affectionate with everyone they meet – strangers and other dogs included. They are an ideal breed for families with children as well as for multi-pet households. Portuguese Water Dogs or Porties, are fun-loving, energetic, and adventurous dogs that are very fond of outdoor activities. They enjoy swimming, diving, surfing waves, boating, and most every water activity one could think of.
These remarkable pooches are also very fond of playing with other dogs at dog parks, fetching, running, and participating in dog sports.
Porties are very amusing with a knack for mischief which is why they make such great play buddies for kids. Porties and children can keep each other amused and entertained for hours on end without the slightest sign of boredom.
Portuguese Water Dog puppies or Portie puppies are exceedingly bright and eager to please. They are easy to train as they pick up on commands, tricks, and canine games very fast and they are known to enjoy challenges. Because they are such brilliant dogs, Porties can get bored quite easily when they are not given new “material” to learn. These clever pups can be trained for therapy work, assistance, and guiding, as well as for dog sports that include advanced obedience, rally, and agility.
Mini Portidoodle Temperament
Mini Portidoodles are family-oriented, cheerful, and loyal dogs. Sometimes referred to as Velcro dogs, Mini Portidoodles are happiest when they are near their owner as they crave attention and affection. Some of their favorite activities include cuddling, learning, jogging, swimming, running through obstacle courses, hiking, and participating in all family adventures.
The lovely Mini Portidoodles are a great fit for families or single folk who enjoy active or moderately active lifestyles. These unique dogs are famously known to tailor themselves to their family’s wants and needs, so they make exceptional companion pets for a wide variety of owners. They are just as happy spending an entire day cuddling on the couch as they are spending a weekend hiking through the mountains. They are also great with kids, fond of dog parks, and highly sociable.
Mini Portidoodle puppies are energetic, curious, playful, and sweet. They are cuddle-oriented pups with people-pleasing personalities who enjoy being pampered and spoiled. As dogs of remarkable intelligence, Mini Portidoodle puppies are fond of learning which makes them very easy to train. These pups are quick to pick up on tricks and can be trained for watchdog duties, dog sports, and therapy work.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle you will find that both breeds are amazing companion pets, excellent family dogs, and fun playmates for children. They are affectionate, docile, sweet, and loyal dogs and they both share in their love for adventures. Both breeds are known to adapt easily to apartment life as well as large homes, and they are both highly sociable dogs.
When it comes to training, both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle are exceptional learners. They are equally fond of training sessions and they both enjoy challenges. The Portuguese Water Dog does tend to get bored and can become stubborn when not properly challenged or motivated whereas the Mini Portidoodle is happy to learn whatever he is taught.
Although both breeds are owner-attached dogs, the Mini Portidoodle is entirely devoted to his family whereas the Portie is more open and equally affectionate towards everyone he meets. Although both breeds are known to be independent dogs when it comes to being left alone, the Portuguese Water Dog can be left alone for up to 8 hours per day whereas the Mini Portidoodle can develop separation anxiety if left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Temperament Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Portuguese Water Dog | Mini Portidoodle |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Training | Easy, can become bored, stubborn | Easy |
| Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Separation anxiety | Independent | Independent |
| Energy levels | Energetic | Energetic |
| Good for | Families, active owners | First-time owners, active owners |
| Barking | Occasionally | Occasionally |
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Appearance
Portuguese Water Dog Appearance
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is a medium-sized pooch that stands at 15 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 to 50 pounds for a female Portie and 30 to 60 pounds for a male Portie. The Portuguese Water Dogs are sturdy-built, muscular, strong, and fast. They display a proud gait, a joyful demeanor, and they appear friendly and athletic.
Porties have gorgeous dark eyes, a long tail, webbed paws, and endearing floppy ears. They sport a low-shedding hypoallergenic coat that is water-resistant, either wavy or curly in texture, and medium in length. The Portuguese Water Dog coat can come in combinations of black, white, and brown, with various markings and patterns.
Mini Portidoodle Appearance
The Mini Portidoodle (Mini Portipoo) is a cute little canine that stands at 10 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 14 to 28 pounds fully grown. Mini Portidoodles appear cuddly, happy, sporty, and approachable. They have a well-proportioned athletic body, dark expressive eyes, a long puffy tail, a medium-length muzzle, and adorable floppy ears.
The Mini Portidoodle sports a non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and all-season-friendly coat that is either wavy or curly in texture. The Mini Portidoodle coat can come in various colors and color combinations that include white, cream, black, gray, brown, sable, or merle, with various patterns and markings.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Appearance Comparison
When comparing their appearance, you will find that both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle are stunning dogs with hypoallergenic properties that are an excellent fit for owners suffering from pet-related allergies. Both breeds also have weather-resistant coats that allow them to be comfortable in both hot and cold climates.
As for their differences, the Portuguese Water Dog is a bit larger than the Mini Portidoodle, whereas the Mini Portidoodle has a wider variety of coat colors.
When it comes to grooming requirements, the Portuguese Water Dog is a low-maintenance breed that needs one or two weekly brushings, whereas the Mini Portidoodle is a moderate-maintenance breed that needs to be brushed every other day if not daily.
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Appearance Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Portuguese Water Dog | Mini Portidoodle |
| Adult weight | 25-60 pounds | 14-28 pounds |
| Adult height | 15-20 inches | 10-20 inches |
| Coat type | Wavy, curly | Wavy, curly |
| Colors | Black, white, brown | Merle, sable, white, black, cream, brown, gray |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
Portuguese Water Dog vs Mini Portidoodle Comparison Conclusion
Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle are fantastic companion pets. They are both highly intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and affectionate. Both breeds share in their love for adventures, dog sports, and games. The Mini Portidoodle and the Portuguese Water Dog are both excellent with children and suited for multi-pet households, and they both adapt well to apartments and large homes.
That being said, we recommend the energetic Portuguese Water Dog to families looking for an adventure companion who is always up for a fun outing, and the gorgeous Mini Portidoodle for families looking for a devoted furever friend who is always at the ready for cuddles and fun games.
Elena R.
About The Author
Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more energetic: Portuguese Water Dog or Mini Portidoodle? Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Mini Portidoodle are energetic breeds, given their working and Poodle heritages. However, the purebred Portuguese Water Dog, bred for water tasks, may have a slight edge in stamina and drive.
Portuguese Water Dog or Mini Portidoodle, which barks more? Both breeds can be alert and might bark to notify of strangers or unusual events. Mini Portidoodles, with their Poodle mix, might be a tad more vocal, especially if they inherit more from the Poodle side.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs have separation anxiety vs. Mini Portidoodles? Separation anxiety can be present in both breeds if left alone for extended periods. They thrive on human interaction and prefer being part of family activities.
Should I get a Portuguese Water Dog or a Mini Portidoodle? This decision depends on personal preference. If you prefer purebred dogs with a clear lineage and history, the Portuguese Water Dog is the choice. If you're looking for a slightly smaller companion with some hybrid vigor, the Mini Portidoodle might be the one.
Which is better: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Mini Portidoodle? "Better" is subjective. Both breeds are loyal, intelligent, and can be great family dogs. Your living situation, lifestyle, and personal preferences will guide this choice.
What is the lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog vs. Mini Portidoodle? Portuguese Water Dogs have a lifespan of around 10-14 years, while Mini Portidoodles, benefiting from hybrid vigor, might live around 12-15 years with proper care.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs easier to train than Mini Portidoodles? Both breeds are intelligent and eager to please. Training ease might slightly lean towards the Mini Portidoodle due to the Poodle's renowned trainability, but Portuguese Water Dogs are also very trainable.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Mini Portidoodles? Portuguese Water Dogs have a low-shedding, curly or wavy coat. Mini Portidoodles, if they inherit more of the Poodle's coat, might shed even less. Both need regular grooming.
Which is calmer: a Portuguese Water Dog or a Mini Portidoodle? Both breeds are energetic, but the Portuguese Water Dog, as a working breed, might have bursts of higher energy. Mini Portidoodles could be slightly more relaxed, especially in indoor settings.