What is the difference between a Portuguese Water Dog and a West Highland White Terrier?

The Portuguese Water Dog is 35–60 lbs, 17–23 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (35–60 lbs, 17–23 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (11–13 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Portuguese Water Dog or West Highland White Terrier?

Portuguese Water Dog is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Portuguese Water Dog or West Highland White Terrier?

The Portuguese Water Dog has a lifespan of 11–13 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier — Breed Comparison

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.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception.

Temperament & Personality

Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.

Pros

Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settings
Friendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breeds
Portable size with a big, confident personality
Alert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors

Cons

Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breeds
Coat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks
Can be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methods
Tendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard

Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier