What is the difference between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Portuguese Water Dog is 35–60 lbs, 17–23 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (35–60 lbs, 17–23 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (11–13 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Portuguese Water Dog or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Portuguese Water Dog is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Portuguese Water Dog or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

The Portuguese Water Dog has a lifespan of 11–13 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon — 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 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households.

Pros

Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally well
Low-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious owners
Devoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable nature
Adaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines

Cons

High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulation
Coat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain texture
Can become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionship
Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon