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

The Standard Poodle tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Standard Poodle?

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

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

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Portuguese Water Dog or Standard Poodle bigger?

Standard Poodle is the larger breed; Portuguese Water Dog is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Portuguese Water Dog or Standard Poodle?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Portuguese Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Standard Poodle: Better With Kids?

Portuguese Water Dog vs Standard Poodle: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Standard Poodle is a larger dog than the Portuguese Water Dog, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Standard Poodle is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Portuguese Water Dog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Standard Poodle needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Portuguese Water Dog is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Standard Poodle is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Portuguese Water Dog learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Standard Poodle learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Portuguese Water Dog announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Standard Poodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Portuguese Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Standard Poodle has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Standard Poodle 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 Standard Poodle are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Portuguese Water Dog and Standard Poodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Standard Poodle if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Portuguese Water Dog or the Standard Poodle better for families with children?: The Standard Poodle tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Standard Poodle?: The Portuguese Water Dog and Standard Poodle shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Standard Poodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Portuguese Water Dog or Standard Poodle bigger?: Standard Poodle is the larger breed; Portuguese Water Dog is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Portuguese Water Dog or Standard Poodle?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Portuguese Water Dog or Standard Poodle?: For apartment or apartment living, Portuguese Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Standard Poodle