Portuguese Water Dog vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. French Brittany may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. French Brittany may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Both French Brittany and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same life span. Both French Brittany and Portuguese Water Dog has same litter size. Both French Brittany and Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
France
Portugal
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
flowing , medium length
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

french brittanyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

portuguese water dogThe 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.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

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.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. French Brittany vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. French Brittany vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Brittany vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. French Brittany vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. French Brittany vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. French Brittany vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. French Brittany vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. French Brittany vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. French Brittany vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. French Brittany vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. French Brittany vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. French Brittany vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. French Brittany vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. French Brittany vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. French Brittany vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. French Brittany vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. French Brittany vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. French Brittany vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. French Brittany vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. French Brittany vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. French Brittany vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison