Comparison: Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog

Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Labrador Retriever
Photo: Ballparx, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
Labrador RetrieverPortuguese Water Dog
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomPortugal
CategoryLargeMedium
Height at withers54–62 cm43–57 cm
Weight25–36 kg16–25 kg
Life span10–14 years11–14 years
Recognition features
  • Short dense water-repellent coat: black, yellow, chocolate
  • Otter tail and broad head
  • Strong build, strongly water-loving
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
CoatShort, hard, dense, water-repellent; black, yellow, chocolate.Curly or wavy non-shedding coat.
PurposeDeveloped from St. John's water dogs used by fishermen in Newfoundland; refined in Britain as a retriever; now an assistance dog.Portuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.

Breed page: Labrador Retriever · Breed page: Portuguese Water Dog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.