PuppyBase

Bull Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Bull Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog

You might be comparing a Bull Terrier and a Portuguese Water Dog because they both have that bold, charismatic look and a loyal streak, but that’s where the similarities end. One’s a clown in a tuxedo with a stubborn streak, the other’s a joyful, bouncy athlete born to be in motion. If you're drawn to the Bull Terrier, you’re falling for that unmistakable egg-shaped head and mischievous glint in the eye. This dog is affectionate and endlessly entertaining, but don’t be fooled. he’s strong-willed, not always great with small pets, and needs an owner who’s already fluent in dog behavior. They’re loyal to their people but can be a handful for first-timers, especially if you’re hoping to let them off-leash at the park. They shed moderately and need space to burn that high energy, though they’re not quite as intense as the Portuguese Water Dog. And speaking of intensity. the PWD is like a dog powered by joy and espresso. Originally diving off fishing boats in Portugal, this breed thrives on activity, water, and mental challenges. They’re easier to train, fantastic with kids, and a top pick for families with allergies thanks to their low-shedding coat. But that coat needs weekly grooming, and their energy level is relentless. You’ll never have a lazy Sunday with one. Here’s the real talk: the Bull Terrier bonds deeply with one or two people and can be a bit clownish but distant with strangers. The Portuguese Water Dog? He wants to love everyone, work constantly, and be part of every family moment. If you’re active and want a dog that’s both trainable and deeply involved in your life, go PWD. If you want a quirky, affectionate character with a stubborn streak and don’t mind the challenges, the Bull Terrier could be your perfect weirdo.

Bull Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
21–22 in
Height
17–23 in
50–70 lb
Weight
35–60 lb
12–13 yr
Lifespan
11–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#62
AKC popularity
#50

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Portuguese Water Dog is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Portuguese
Good with Young Children
Portuguese Water Dog is better with kids (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Coat Grooming
Bull Terrier needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Bull
Adaptability
Portuguese Water Dog is more adaptable (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog is easier to train (2-point difference)
Portuguese
The verdict

Choose the Bull Terrier if…

  • Active individuals
  • Experienced dog owners
  • Families with older children
  • You value shedding levelBull Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if…

  • Allergy sufferers
  • Active families
  • Water and outdoor enthusiasts
  • You value good with other dogsPortuguese Water Dog scores higher here.
Bull Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bull Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Portuguese Water Dog Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Portuguese Water Dog home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run