Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
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 Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Portuguese Water Dog if you want easier to train and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Portuguese Water Dog
medium
Size
medium
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
16–27 kg (35–60 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
43–57 cm (17–22 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
11–13 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
Better5/5
Apartment
2/5
1/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$1,500–$4,000
Price
$2,000–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
How Much Exercise Do Bulldogs vs Portuguese Water Dogs Need?
Portuguese Water Dog needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
2/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs2/5
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Portuguese Water Dog (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was built for action and thrives on physical challenges.
Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog: Common Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs11–13Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs4/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Portuguese Water Dogs live 11–13 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Training: Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Portuguese Water Dog (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Temperament Differences: Bulldog and Portuguese Water Dog
Bulldog is calmer; Portuguese Water Dog is more energetic.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs5/5
The Bulldog and Portuguese Water Dog bring very different personalities to the table. Bulldogs are docile, willful and friendly, while Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be adventurous, athletic and affectionate.
Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Bulldog sheds more; Portuguese Water Dog is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Shedding
3/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Bulldog is a prolific shedder (3/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
Better4/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Cost to Own: Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Portuguese Water Dog
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,550 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog versus $2,000–$4,000 for a Portuguese Water Dog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Size & Build: Bulldog vs Portuguese Water Dog
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bulldog
Portuguese Water Dog
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs16–27
Height (cm)
31–40
vs43–57
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Bulldog weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) and the Portuguese Water Dog weighs 16–27 kg (35–60 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Summary — Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Portuguese Water Dog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Portuguese Water Dog needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, Bulldog sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Bulldogs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Portuguese Water Dog if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Portuguese Water Dogs will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Portuguese Water Dogs are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Portuguese Water Dog at 4/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog easier to train?
The Portuguese Water Dog is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Portuguese Water Dog's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,000–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Portuguese Water Dogs live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Portuguese Water Dog lives 11–13 years. The Portuguese Water Dog tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Portuguese Water Dog (2/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.