Portuguese Water Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed ComparisonCarolina Dog is originated from United States but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Both Carolina Dog and Portuguese Water Dog are having almost same height. Carolina Dog may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Carolina Dog and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Both Carolina Dog and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same litter size. Carolina Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
45 - 61 cm
17 - 25 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
42 - 61 cm
16 - 25 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
North American Native Dog, Dixie Dingo, American Dingo, Yellow Dog
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
Fawn, Yellow, Gingerish, black and tan
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
Short and dense
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

carolina dogThe Carolina dog comes from wild dogs that used to run with the Paleo-Indians of North America, and today they can still be found in their wild state near the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Many scientists believe that the dog was first domesticated from the wolf thousands and thousands of years ago. Today there aren’t many records on the Carolina Dog’s history and it isn’t sure how long they lived their feral lifestyle in the American South, but it seems as though it was for hundreds of years.

You could say that the modern history of the Carolina Dog started in the 1980s. Dr. Pam Brisbin found a puppy at a dump site which looked like the Australian Dingo. Dr Brisbin and other scientists concluded that the Carolina Dog was a remnant of primitive dogs. Since those times the Carolina Dog has adapted well to being a domesticated pet.

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

carolina dog puppy - descriptionThe Carolina dog is part of the Sighthounds Group and looks a bit like a Dingo, German Shepherd and Wolf mix. He has fairly long, pointed erect ears, a sharp wolf-like snout and a long tail that curves when raised.

The Carolina dog has been re-discovered however and when trained and socialized, they make splendid pets. It’s a medium sized dog standing at 45–61cm and weighing from 15–20kg. He is slender, muscular and athletic with a coat that is short and fairly smooth. Colors for the Carolina dog vary and he can be fawn colored, a gingerish color, black and tan and can have some white areas on the paws, chest, muzzle and tail.

Temperament:

The Carolina Dog has been a wild dog, belonging to a pack and while he isn’t aggressive, he is nervous and aloof around strangers. Good training and socialization provides him with the skills to get along well with his human family as well as with children and other pets in the home.

Because this dog has always been wild, they tend to maintain some of their wild, independent nature and they can be difficult to train and it requires firmness and patience with him, but he is an intelligent breed.

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

carolina dog dog - characteristicsThe Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog which has managed to survive well in the wild environment. It is this life in the wilds which has made the dog to be shy and aloof around strangers.

They are skilled and intelligent and when domesticated they make extraordinary pets even though he isn’t an overly affectionate dog. It is why he requires early socialization so that he doesn’t grow up shunning humans.

With training however, the Carolina Dog becomes a well-adjusted, loving and social member of the family.

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

carolina dog puppies - health problemsThe Carolina Dog is a fairly healthy breed. You won’t have to be rushing off to the vet often with him if you look after him well in terms of a good diet, a food amount of exercise and plenty of love and attention. In fact breeders of the Carolina Dog have noted that they haven’t seen any cases of genetically inheritable diseases with this robust dog.

However with all dogs, no matter how healthy they are, there can be problems. Problems common to domestic dogs can include skeletal and visual problems. Many dog owners have their pets tested to identify some of the potential health defects that some dogs are prone to. This can include hip dysplasia, cataracts, cancer and PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

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

Grooming:

carolina dog dogs - caringThe Carolina Dog is a seasonal shedder and the shortish coat will simply require a thorough brushing twice a week to keep him in tip top condition.

This dog, with his upright ears, isn’t prone to ear infections as other breeds, but nonetheless as part of his grooming routine, its a good idea to to check his ears inside for wax build-up and dirt. Certainly his teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. This keeps the gums and teeth healthy and also avoids other diseases that come about because of dental disease.

Diet:

Whether you feed your Carolina Dog once or twice a day, you want to ensure the very best quality diet to avoid skin problems and illness. You also have to ensure your dog has 24/7 access to fresh, cool drinking water to help him with digesting his food.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market which have been manufactured for certain stages of your dogs life. Add in some rice, vegetables and meat from time to time and every now and again you can give him some raw meat too.

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

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  26. Carolina Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Carolina Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Carolina Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Carolina Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Carolina Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Carolina Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Carolina Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Carolina Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Carolina Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Carolina Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Carolina Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Carolina Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Carolina Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Carolina Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Carolina Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Carolina Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Carolina Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Carolina Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Carolina Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Carolina Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Carolina Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Carolina Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Carolina Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Carolina Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Carolina Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison