Australian ShepherdVSPortuguese Water Dog

The Australian Shepherd is known for being intelligent, energetic, loyal, while the Portuguese Water Dog is typically described as adventurous, athletic, affectionate. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Australian Shepherd is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Portuguese Water Dog is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Portuguese Water Dog may be the better choice.

The Australian Shepherd is a medium breed standing 46–58 cm (18–23 in) tall and weighing 18–29 kg (40–64 lbs). In comparison, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium breed at 43–57 cm (17–22 in) and 16–27 kg (35–60 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Australian Shepherd has a long coat available in blue merle, red merle, black, red, while the Portuguese Water Dog sports a curly coat in black, white, brown, black and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Australian Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Portuguese Water Dog has very high energy (5/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Portuguese Water Dog is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Australian Shepherd's 1/5. The Australian Shepherd generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Australian Shepherd drops more fur with a shedding level of 4/5, while the Portuguese Water Dog is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Portuguese Water Dog will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Australian Shepherd and $500 for the Portuguese Water Dog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Portuguese Water Dog lives 11–13 years. The Australian Shepherd tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Australian Shepherd include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, MDR1 gene mutation. The Portuguese Water Dog is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, GM1 storage disease, juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Australian Shepherd and $450 for the Portuguese Water Dog. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 5/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 5/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Australian Shepherd and Portuguese Water Dog score 5/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Shepherd ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Portuguese Water Dog typically costs $2,000–$4,000. The Portuguese Water Dog is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Australian Shepherd and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Portuguese Water Dog costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Australian Shepherd and $50 for the Portuguese Water Dog. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.