Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Akita is originated from Japan. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Akita. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 27 kg / 59 pounds lesser than Akita. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Akita has same life span. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Akita has same litter size. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Akita requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese water dog - historyThe 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.

akita - historyAkita is a very old breed. The first information originates back in the 1600s. Akita was a royalty guard and a hunting dog. They were popular because of their bravery. Akita even attacked bears. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to America. She admired the breed because of the famous Hachiko, a dog that was known for his loyalty. Today, Akita is a popular dog in the whole world. They are lovely family pets, and if train properly they will be adorable part of any family.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
Japan
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
58 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
34 - 54 kg
74 - 120 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
34 - 50 kg
74 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
7 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Akita-Inu, Japanese Akita
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Brindle, Fawn, White, Red Fawn, Red, Pinto and Sesame
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Harsh and Rough, Dense, Water-Repellent, Short and Thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Responsive
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding 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.

akita puppy - descriptionAkita’s average weight is 34-54kg, while their height is 58-66cm. Females are smaller than males. Lifespan variates from dog to dog but an average lifespan of Akita is 11-15 years. However, if you take care of your dog with a proper diet and regular vet checks they can live longer than average. Litter Size of Akita is 7-8 puppies, but again, litter size variates because of dog’s genetics. Other Names for Akita are Akita-Inu and Japanese Akita.

Characteristics

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith 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.

akita dog - characteristics Akita is a very elegant breed. They are very strong and fast, so they had been excellent guards. They sometimes can be stubborn, but they are very loyal to the family. Akita has tendencies to be aggressive to other dogs. Because of their dominant character, they can be especially aggressive towards the same sex. They are the best for one-dog houses. With family, they are very loving and gentle. The best way to train Akita is by positive training with awards. The old-fashioned way like punishing is not recommendable. Constant and firm training is important, so if you are first time owner, it might be a big challenge. If you are first time owner, consider advising with a trainer who knows the breed.

Akita loves to be around family and to be included in family activities. They do not need a lot of activity, but daily routines of one-hour walks or jogging would be ideal for Akita. Visiting parks for dogs is not a good idea because of aggressive attitude towards other animals. If Akita does not have activities they can get bored, and you do not want bored Akita. When bored they start barking, digging, chewing, and sometimes even aggressive. Overall, they are very loving and gentle dogs who love to be around family and enjoy activities. But, they also need proper care and attention which require time and patience.

Health Problems

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese 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.

akita puppies - health problemsAkita is a very healthy breed in general. Nevertheless, almost as every breed, Akita can develop health issues. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Progressive retinal atrophy are some of the issues Akita might have. Although, if you give your puppy Akita necessary vitamins, with a healthy diet and regular vet checks, it will a very happy and healthy dog. It is also important to know the genetics of your dog, so carefully choosing a puppy is very important.

Caring The Pet

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour 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.

Feeding Akita

akita dogs - caringIt is always important to adjust feeding to size, activity age and built. Dogs who are bigger and have more activity will need more food. For an average Akita 3-5 cups of dry high-quality food, divided into 2 meals will be enough. They also love to eat vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and fruits like apples, oranges, watermelon, etc.

Feeding Akita puppy

Akita puppy should have more meals per day plus additional calcium and vitamins. 3-5 meals per day would be an ideal for a puppy. It is a perfect way to develop your puppy into a healthy adult dog.

Grooming Akita

Grooming Akita is not the worst, but it will require some work. They have a double coat, but they are shedding a lot. Occasional vacuuming will be a new habit that every Akita owner needs. They shed 2-3 times per year, so it is not very bad. When it not shedding, everyday brushing would be a perfect way to groom your Akita.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Water Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Water Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Water Dog vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  26. Akita vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. Akita vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  28. Akita vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  29. Akita vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Samoyed vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  32. Bullmastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Pyrenees vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  34. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  35. Presa Canario vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  36. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  37. Labrador Husky vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  38. Argentine Dogo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  39. Giant Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  42. Goldador vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. Bandog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  46. Dogo Sardesco vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  47. Beauceron vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Central Asian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  49. Mackenzie River Husky vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Russian Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds