Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Portuguese Water Dog

Size
35–60 lbs, 17–23 in
Lifespan
11–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Adventurous Athletic Loyal Obedient

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Portuguese Water Dog and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Portuguese Water Dog is 35–60 lbs, 17–23 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (35–60 lbs, 17–23 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (11–13 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Portuguese Water Dog or Yorkshire Terrier?
Portuguese Water Dog is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Portuguese Water Dog or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Portuguese Water Dog has a lifespan of 11–13 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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