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

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

Which sheds more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Schnoodle?

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

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

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

Is Portuguese Water Dog or Schnoodle bigger?

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

Which barks more, Portuguese Water Dog or Schnoodle?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Schnoodle: Easier to Groom?

Portuguese Water Dog vs Schnoodle: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Portuguese Water Dog is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Schnoodle is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 Portuguese Water Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Schnoodle 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 Portuguese Water Dog demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Schnoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Portuguese Water Dog learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Schnoodle takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Portuguese Water Dog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Schnoodle will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Portuguese Water Dog and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Portuguese Water Dog and Schnoodle 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, Portuguese Water Dog and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Portuguese Water Dog and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Schnoodle if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Schnoodle