Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador Retriever if you want better with kids. Choose Portuguese Water Dog if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Portuguese Water Dog
large
Size
medium
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
16–27 kg (35–60 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
43–57 cm (17–22 in)
10–13 yrs
Lifespan
11–13 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$2,000–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Grooming and Shedding: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Portuguese Water Dog is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Shedding
4/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Labrador Retriever's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Total Cost of Ownership: Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Portuguese Water Dog
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,550
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Portuguese Water Dog puppy runs $2,000–$4,000, while a Labrador Retriever is $800–$2,000.
Family Life: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs3/5
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Health and Lifespan: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Lifespan (years)
10–13
vs11–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Labrador Retriever lives roughly 10–13 years while the Portuguese Water Dog averages 11–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Size Differences: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Portuguese Water Dog is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs16–27
Height (cm)
55–62
vs43–57
The Labrador Retriever stands 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), while the Portuguese Water Dog measures 43–57 cm (17–22 in) and 16–27 kg (35–60 lbs). The Labrador Retriever is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Labrador Retriever — originally from Canada — has a friendly, outgoing and active disposition.
Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (5/5) and similar energy levels (Labrador Retriever: 5/5, Portuguese Water Dog: 5/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Training Differences: Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Labrador Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Labrador Retriever if you value better with children (5/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Portuguese Water Dog if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Portuguese Water Dogs shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Labrador Retriever 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, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Portuguese Water Dog's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Portuguese Water Dog. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,000–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Portuguese Water Dog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Portuguese Water Dogs live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Portuguese Water Dog (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.