BrittanyVSPortuguese Water Dog

The Brittany is known for being bright, eager, fun-loving, 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.

The Brittany is a medium breed standing 44–52 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–18 kg (31–40 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).

The Portuguese Water Dog is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Brittany has a medium coat available in orange and white, liver and white, roan, 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 Brittany 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 Brittany's 1/5. The Brittany generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Brittany drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, 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.

Grooming-wise, the Portuguese Water Dog needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Brittany (2/5). The Portuguese Water Dog's curly coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Brittany and $500 for the Portuguese Water Dog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Brittany has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Portuguese Water Dog lives 11–13 years. The Brittany 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 Brittany include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, canine discoid lupus. 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 $400 for the Brittany 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 Brittany 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.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Brittany leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Portuguese Water Dog, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

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 Brittany is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Portuguese Water Dog tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Brittany's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Brittany ranges from $700–$1,500, 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 $1,090 for the Brittany and $1,550 for the Portuguese Water Dog. The Portuguese Water Dog costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Brittany 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.