What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Portuguese Water Dog?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Portuguese Water Dog is 35–60 lbs, 17–23 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 35–60 lbs, 17–23 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 11–13 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Portuguese Water Dog is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Portuguese Water Dog has a lifespan of 11–13 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog was developed centuries ago along Portugal's coast, where it served as an indispensable fisherman's companion — herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and swimming messages between boats. These robust, medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 23 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a strong, muscular build optimized for swimming. Their coat comes in two varieties — curly or wavy — in black, white, brown, or combinations thereof, and grows continuously like human hair rather than shedding seasonally.

Temperament & Personality

Portuguese Water Dogs are spirited, obedient, and deeply bonded to their families — they thrive on being included in activities and do not do well relegated to the backyard. They are playful and patient with children, typically friendly with other dogs, and possess an enthusiasm for life that is both infectious and demanding. Their intelligence and eagerness to work make them highly trainable, though they need a job or purpose to remain content.

Pros

Low-shedding, hypoallergenic-type coat suitable for many allergy sufferers
Outstanding swimming ability and love of water activities
Highly trainable, biddable, and eager to please
Robust health with a lifespan of 11 to 13 years

Cons

High exercise demands — needs vigorous daily activity including swimming when possible
Coat requires regular professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
Can become mouthy and destructive if under-stimulated or left alone too long
Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and GM1 storage disease

A water-loving, people-devoted companion awaits — explore Portuguese Water Dog listings on Puplister.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog