Spanish Water Dog, Portuguese Water Dog, or Lagotto Romagnolo?
All three are curly-coated, low-shedding European working breeds, and people often compare them. They are less alike than they look. We breed SWDs, so read this with that in mind.
At a glance
| | Spanish Water Dog | Portuguese Water Dog | Lagotto Romagnolo |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Herding | Working | Sporting |
| Original work | Herding, farm work, water retrieving | Fishermen's dog | Water retriever, then truffle hunting |
| Height (M / F) | 17.5–19.75 / 15.75–18 in | 20–23 / 17–21 in | 17–19 / 16–18 in |
| Weight (M / F) | 40–49 / 31–40 lb | 42–60 / 35–50 lb | about 28–35 / 24–31 lb |
| Coat care | Never brushed; sheared evenly | Brushed regularly; clipped | Brushed regularly; trimmed |
| With strangers | Reserved | Generally outgoing | Generally friendly |
[Check the PWD and Lagotto figures against the current AKC standards before publishing.]
Temperament
The SWD's herding background shows in how closely it watches and works with its person, and in its reserve with strangers. PWDs tend to be more outgoing and boisterous. Lagottos are affectionate, scent-driven, and often keen diggers. None of the three suits a home that wants a low-energy dog.
Coat
The SWD is the simplest of the three to groom at home: no brushing, an even clip, and a careful bath. PWD and Lagotto coats both need regular brushing and more frequent professional grooming. None of the three is hypoallergenic.
City life and service work
All three can live well in an apartment with enough exercise. For service work, the PWD's larger size gives it more options for balance tasks. The SWD is better suited to retrieval and door tasks, and its reserve with strangers is useful when it is well socialized. The Lagotto is less commonly used as a service dog.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice.