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Breed A

Breed B

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Portuguese Water Dog

Working · Portugal

AKC group
Working
Size
Medium
Height
43.2–58.4 cm (registry- and sex-specific; AKC males 50.8–58.4 cm / females 43.2–53.3 cm; FCI/Royal Kennel Club/CKC males 50–57 cm and females 43–52 cm)
Weight
15.9–27.2 kg (AKC sex-specific); FCI/Royal Kennel Club/CKC males 19–25 kg and females 16–22 kg
Energy
High
Energy notes
High / working engagement: AKC’s summary statement calls for a dog able to do a full day’s work in and out of the water. FCI and CPC emphasize swimming, diving, fatigue resistance, and a multitude of fishing tasks.
Trainability
High
Coat
A profuse single coat of strong hair covering the whole body evenly (thinner in the underarms and groin), with no undercoat.
Origin
Portugal
Temperament
The standard temperament is spirited, intelligent, self-willed or wilful, brave, fatigue-resistant, and obedient to its handler. AKC says the dog obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure; major faults include shy, vicious, or unsound behavior.

Working · Germany

AKC group
Working
Size
Medium
Height
55–64 cm (AKC)
Weight
~23–36 kg (AKC profile)
Energy
High
Energy notes
High. The AKC standard says the Boxer's movements denote energy, and the AKC calls it a very playful, high-energy dog that needs ample exercise every day, on a leash or in a securely fenced area.
Trainability
Moderate
Coat
The coat is short, shiny and lies smooth and tight to the body.
Origin
Germany
Temperament
The AKC standard puts character and temperament first. It describes an instinctive guard dog whose bearing is alert, dignified and self-assured: playful with family and friends, patient and stoical with children, deliberate and wary with strangers but quick to respond to genuine friendliness, and fearless if threatened.