Yorkillon vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison

The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

The Yorkillon is a bighearted cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Papillon. They are small dogs with huge attitudes and big ears. They are known to be sassy and get into trouble. They are playful, affectionate and intelligent. They were initially developed in the US sometime about 20-30 years ago. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club as they are considered designer dogs or mixed breeds

Standing at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

The Yorkillon is a small dog that can look like a Yorkie or a Papillon but most due have large ears like the Papillon. Both parent breeds have long hair and short legs. There is still a lot of first generation breeding, but most are now products of multigenerational breeding. This means that every puppy can look different and no two are likely to look the same.

With training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

1.Children friendliness yes but be careful the children do not hurt the small dogs. This is particularly true regarding the risk of tracheal collapse. 2.Special talents – loves to do tricks 3.Adaptability – can live anywhere in an apartment as well as a home, but he would prefer to have a fenced yard to run in. 4.Learning ability – extremely smart and very obedient

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

There are not a lot of hereditary health issues but there are some issues they can be prone to: • Patellar Luxation – slipped knee caps can lead to lameness. • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication. • Diabetes – can be treated with medication • Legg Calve Perthes Disease – blood disorder affecting hind leg bones. • Heart defects • Tracheal collapse • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness.

Your Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

1.Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality toy puppy food 3-4 meals per day a total of ¼ cup for the day. 2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality toy puppy food 1-2 meals per day a total of ½ cup for the day. 3.Points for Good Health – No inherited issues. 4. Games and Exercises – These are high energy dogs as both parent breeds are such. They need to run, love having a fenced yard, 15-20 minute walks per day.