Is the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog better for families with children?

Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Portuguese Water Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog?

The Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog bigger?

Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog?

For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Portuguese Water Dog: Easier to Train?

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Portuguese Water Dog: full comparison

Trait	Lagotto Romagnolo	Portuguese Water Dog
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Lagotto Romagnolo demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Portuguese Water Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Portuguese Water Dog is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves virtually no hair around the house. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Lagotto Romagnolo is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Portuguese Water Dog is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Lagotto Romagnolo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Portuguese Water Dog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Portuguese Water Dog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lagotto Romagnolo if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog better for families with children?: Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Portuguese Water Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog?: The Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Portuguese Water Dog?: The Portuguese Water Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog bigger?: Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo or Portuguese Water Dog?: For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Portuguese Water Dog