Portuguese Water Dog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Canaan Dog - Breed ComparisonCanaan Dog is originated from Israel but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Both Canaan Dog and Portuguese Water Dog are having almost same height. Both Canaan Dog and Portuguese Water Dog are having almost same weight. Both Canaan Dog and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Both Canaan Dog and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same litter size. Both Canaan Dog and Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Israel
Portugal
Height Male:
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
49 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Kelev K'naani, Kaleb Kanaani
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
Sandy, brown, black, white or bi-colored
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
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

canaan dogThe Canaan Dog is an attractive dog and is Israel’s national breed. Research reveals that the dog’s history can be traced way back to 2200BC.

The dog’s origins go back to the pariah dog of the Middle East. It is believed that the dog has been perceived as a sacred animal and that he was both guard- and herd dog of the ancient Israelites.

A certain Dr Rudolphina Menzel moved from Vienna to Israel and was asked to establish a service dog organization. She trained and bred them, finding them to be highly trainable. She began a breeding program in 1934, providing working dogs for the military and starting a selective breeding program for the Canaan dog. The Israel Kennel Club dog recognized the Canaan for the first time in 1953.

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

Appearance:

canaan dog puppy - descriptionThe Canaan Dog is lean, standing at between 51–61cm and weighing roughly 18-25kg. The medium sized Canaan Dog’s coat is medium length and can be sandy to brown, white or black or a mix of these. The eyes are dark and inquisitive, the ears are erect and the high set bushy tail is curled over the back.

Temperament:

The Canaan Dog is alert, intelligent, confident and territorial. They are wary of strangers and because they’re alert they’re constantly aware of movement, making them a superb watchdog. However, the dog isn’t aggressive and he makes an excellent family pet, even around children and other pets.

He will need training and socialization though to make him obedient and amicable. He is a strong-willed dog. He is co-operative when being trained and responds well. They are energetic and will make a good companion for runners and cyclists.

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

canaan dog dog - characteristicsThe Canaan Dog is an intelligent dog and this makes him easy to train. He is a strong-willed, independent dog and will require training and socialization to make him obedient. He is an affectionate and loving dog and will make a wonderful family pet.

The Canaan Dog is also a fairly healthy, robust breed and appeals to many dog owners who don’t have to spend money on professional grooming for him. He doesn’t require much – isn’t high maintenance at all and he is just waiting to become a member of a human family where he can be loved and cared for just like any other family member.

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

canaan dog puppies - health problemsThe Canaan Dog has a strong immune system and with good care from his owner he can reach 15 years of age. He has been used to living in harsh conditions in the deserts of Israel.

If you want to buy a Canaan dog, as with any dog, a good breeder will be able to produce health certificates for the puppy's parents. These certificates confirm that the dog has been tested and cleared of certain common conditions that affect dogs.

Because hip dysplasia is such a common problem with dogs, you may want to see health certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OCA).

A form of cancer that you might expect to see in this breed is Lymphosarcoma, a cancer which affects the lymphoid system. The lymphoid system is a critical part of the dog’s immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria.

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

Diet:

canaan dog dogs - caringThe Canaan Dog needs a steady diet of high-quality food, whether you provide your own home-made food or you buy commercially manufactured food. A healthy diet full of minerals and vitamins is essential for good health. If you’re not sure how to feed your Canaan dog, your veterinarian can advise you according to your dog’s age.

Remember that dogs are carnivorous so even though raw meat can be pretty expensive, you want to include it in his diet from time to time to stave off itchy, dry skin rashes and other illnesses. Always see to it that there is a bowl of fresh, cool water 24/7.

Grooming:

The Canaan Dog is a low maintenance breed who has moderate, seasonal shedding. The coat is easy to groom. He will need a good brush twice a week to keep him free of loose hairs and to keep his coat shiny.

Other kinds of grooming are also important such as brushing his teeth 2 or 3x a week to remove tartar build-up. Bad teeth can affect the immune system and make him ill.

Exercise:

Canaans are going to require a moderate amount of exercise. Just like with any dog, you can’t just buy a cute puppy and when he becomes an adult and no longer cute to you, forget about him in the backyard. A dog is a 15 year responsibility and he will need regular walks and games from you to guarantee his health and happiness.

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