Cockalier vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Cockalier vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal but Cockalier is originated from United States. Portuguese Water Dog may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Cockalier. Portuguese Water Dog may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Cockalier. Both Portuguese Water Dog and Cockalier has same life span. Portuguese Water Dog may have more litter size than Cockalier. Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Cockalier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
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Portugal
United States
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
30 - 38 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Cockalier Spaniel
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
red, black or bi-color, Golden
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Medium length, silky and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

cockalierKnown also as the Cockalier Spaniel, the Cockalier is a sweet crossbreed – a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Both of these spaniels do have some differences. The Cockalier is a designer breed that hails from the USA. Because he is a hybrid breed the Cockalier isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club, but as a hybrid, it is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

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.

cockalier puppy - descriptionThe Cockalier is a medium-sized dog standing at between 30 and 38cm in height and weighing roughly between 5 and 12kg.

The coat of the Cockalier is silky and wavy. The coat is medium length and can be in colors such as golden, red, black or maybe white and brown.

The ears are fairly long and floppy, the eyes brown and expressive and the tail docked. If left, the tail is long and feathery.

Temperament:

The Cockalier is lively, gentle, intelligent and friendly with his human family, though he can be a little bit aloof with strangers.

He bonds very strongly with his family. They’re robust and are playful with children. They’re active dogs too and love nothing more than a hectic ball game. They don’t know when to stop and can become utterly exhausted if you don’t stop the game.

Have him trained and socialized and then he becomes even more amicable and he’s smart enough to learn basic commands without any trouble.

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.

cockalier dog - characteristicsThe Cockalier is such a clever dog and he wants to please. He just loves his human owners, protecting them against strangers. He doesn’t take too kindly to strangers, preferring to devote all his love and loyalty to those he knows.

He just craves attention and wants to be in your vicinity all the time. He is also good with children and will get on well with other pets in the home.

Once you’ve had a Cockalier in your life, you’ll want to reconsider having one of them again as they make awesome pets and companions.

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.

cockalier puppies - health problemsThe Cockalier is a healthy dog breed and can reach between 12 and 15 years of age. Look out for common canine health issues such as hearing loss and ear infection and vision issues.

Ear Infections:

Cockaliers that have an ear infection will shake their head and scratch their ears. The inside of the ears may be red and there may be an unpleasant smell coming from the ears. Your pet will need to see the vet.

Mitral Valve Disease:

This is a common disease with King Charles Spaniels where the mitral valve wears out and leaks and is associated with a heart murmur.

The earliest sign of a leaking mitral valve is normally a heart murmur, but it doesn’t mean heart failure is imminent, but congestive heart failure will eventuallt occur. Your dog will tire when walking, be lethargic and also have a cough. It will definitely be time to see the vet.

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.

Diet:

cockalier dogs - caringWhen you choose one of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are, you want to avoid those more inferior ones that have ingredients in them that can cause your dog to get sick.

Look for the high-quality ones and choose the foods that have natural, wholesome ingredients in them. The vet can always help you with your decision to select a food that will of benefit to your pet.

Try to give your pet some good homemade food too such as some raw meat occasionally as well as boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Fresh, cool water should be constantly available.

Grooming:

The Cockalier is going to require some brushing because he sheds quite a bit. Some dog owners prefer to get the Cockalier professionally trimmed. During grooming, check your pet over for any unusual lumps.

Your Cockalier will also need to have his nails trimmed, and because of the long ears, you will need to look inside the ears to ensure there is no redness and signs of infection.

Also, the teeth should also be checked.

Some dog owners don’t have the time or they don’t want to probe inside their pet’s ears and then a doggy-grooming-parlor can be a good idea as they do all this for you.

Exercise:

The Cockalier is an energetic dog, requiring a lot of exercise and games. These dogs love water games and will love you spraying him with water from the garden hose. Failing that, he’ll jump right into the swimming pool with you. Ball games are just up his street, and he will remind you every day that it’s time for his walk.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Cockalier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  34. Cockalier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Cockalier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cockalier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cockalier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cockalier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cockalier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cockalier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cockalier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cockalier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cockalier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cockalier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cockalier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cockalier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Cockalier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Cockalier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Cockalier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison