Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Australian Cattle Dog
A tough, tireless herding dog built for the Australian outback. Australian Cattle Dogs are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and need a job to stay happy and well-behaved.
VS
Portuguese Water Dog
An athletic, water-loving working dog with a hypoallergenic curly coat. Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, intelligent, and thrive with active families who love the outdoors.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Cattle Dog if you want a great companion. Choose Portuguese Water Dog if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Australian Cattle Dog
Attribute
Portuguese Water Dog
medium
Size
medium
14–22 kg (31–49 lbs)
Weight
16–27 kg (35–60 lbs)
43–51 cm (17–20 in)
Height
43–57 cm (17–22 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
11–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
5/5
Energy
5/5
3/5
Good with Kids
4/5Better
3/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$2,000–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Cost to Own: Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Australian Cattle Dog is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Cattle Dog
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,040 ✓
Portuguese Water Dog
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,550
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,000–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Australian Cattle Dog's $600–$2,000. That's a $1,700 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Australian Cattle Dog sheds more; Portuguese Water Dog is easier to maintain.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Shedding
3/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Australian Cattle Dog is a prolific shedder (3/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog for Your Family?
Portuguese Water Dog is better suited for families with children.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Good with Kids
3/5
vs4/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Portuguese Water Dog has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Portuguese Water Dog's adventurous temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Temperament Differences: Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Water Dog
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Australian Cattle Dog greets the world with a loyal attitude, whereas a Portuguese Water Dog leans more toward a adventurous approach.
Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs11–13
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Australian Cattle Dogs live 12–16 years on average, while Portuguese Water Dogs live 11–13 years.
How Much Exercise Do Australian Cattle Dogs vs Portuguese Water Dogs Need?
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Water Dog need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Training: Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog is generally easier to train.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
The Portuguese Water Dog has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Portuguese Water Dog tends to catch on a bit faster.
Size & Build: Australian Cattle Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog is the larger breed; Australian Cattle Dog is more compact.
Australian Cattle Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Weight (kg)
14–22
vs16–27
Height (cm)
43–51
vs43–57
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Portuguese Water Dog (16–27 kg (35–60 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Australian Cattle Dog (14–22 kg (31–49 lbs)).
Summary — Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog: Which Is Right for You?
On balance, the Portuguese Water Dog has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Portuguese Water Dog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Water Dog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Australian Cattle Dog sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Australian Cattle Dog by roughly $500/year.
Choose Australian Cattle Dog if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Australian Cattle Dogs cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Portuguese Water Dog if...
- ✓You have young children — Portuguese Water Dogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Australian Cattle Dog and Portuguese Water Dog have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog?
The Portuguese Water Dog is generally better with children, scoring 4/5 compared to the Australian Cattle Dog's 3/5. The Portuguese Water Dog is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog easier to train?
The Portuguese Water Dog is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Australian Cattle Dog's 4/5. The Portuguese Water Dog's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog?
A Australian Cattle Dog puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,000–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,040 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Portuguese Water Dog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs or Portuguese Water Dogs live longer?
The Australian Cattle Dog lives 12–16 years on average, while the Portuguese Water Dog lives 11–13 years. The Australian Cattle Dog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Cattle Dog or Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
The Portuguese Water Dog adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Australian Cattle Dog (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.