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Glen of Imaal 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.

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The bottom line

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog

You don’t see a lot of Glen of Imaal Terriers or Portuguese Water Dogs at the dog park, so when someone’s comparing them, it’s usually because they want a rare, spirited dog with low shedding and big personality. but don’t realize how different their rhythms are. Both are loyal and affectionate, sure, and neither will leave your side if they can help it. But that’s where the similarity ends. The Glen is the quiet contrarian of the two. Stocky, low to the ground, built like a little tank with a stubborn streak, this terrier was bred to go underground after badgers. He’s game for adventure but on his own terms. You’ll find him snoozing in a sunbeam one minute, then digging a hole to China the next. He’s not needy, but he’s deeply attached. just don’t expect him to fetch your slippers unless it’s his idea. He’s better suited to a home with older kids, a yard with a fence, and someone who gets terrier humor. The Portuguese Water Dog, meanwhile, is all engine. Bred to work all day in the Atlantic surf, he wants a job, a game, a swim, a puzzle. preferably all at once. He’s the one who’ll learn 50 commands just for fun. If you’re hiking, paddleboarding, or training for agility, he’s your partner. He’s also more naturally social with strangers and pets, and thrives in lively households with young kids. Here’s the real talk: the Glen looks like he’ll nap all day and surprise you with bursts of mischief; the PWD looks energetic and will actually match it. Choose the Glen if you want a quiet, quirky companion with terrier grit. Choose the PWD if you need a dog who’ll keep up with your active life and still kiss your face at bedtime.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Portuguese Water Dog
12.5–14 in
Height
17–23 in
32–40 lb
Weight
35–60 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
11–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#174
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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Portuguese Water Dog
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Portuguese Water Dog is better with kids (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog is more playful (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog is easier to train (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Energy Level
Portuguese Water Dog has more energy (2-point difference)
Portuguese
Mental Stimulation Needs
Portuguese Water Dog needs more mental stimulation (2-point difference)
Portuguese
The verdict

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if…

  • Allergy sufferers
  • Active families
  • Water and outdoor enthusiasts
  • You value good with young childrenPortuguese Water Dog scores higher here.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal 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

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