How tall is a Portuguese Water?

An adult Portuguese Water stands about 22 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Portuguese Water considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 22" / 51 lb, the Portuguese Water falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #105 tallest.

How does a Portuguese Water compare to a person?

At 22" tall, a Portuguese Water stands about 34% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Portuguese Water Size Compared to a Person

A Portuguese Water stands 22″ at the shoulder and weighs about 51 lb — that puts it at 34% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #105 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Portuguese Water next to a person at scale — 22-inch shoulder height, 51 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Portuguese Water at 22″ / 51 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Portuguese Water compares

	Portuguese Water	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	22″	64″	-42″
Weight	51 lb	135 lb	-84 lb

Save the chart

💾 Download PNG

About the Portuguese Water

The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, intelligent, and enthusiastic working breed originally developed along the coast of Portugal to assist fishermen. These versatile dogs would herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and even carry messages between boats. With their curly or wavy hypoallergenic coat, webbed feet, and powerful swimming ability, Portuguese Water Dogs are natural-born water lovers.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Portuguese Water.

Australian Shepherd — 22″ / 58 lb (same height)
Bearded Collie — 22″ / 50 lb (same height)
Black Mouth Cur — 22″ / 65 lb (same height)
Bull Terrier — 22″ / 60 lb (same height)
Canaan — 22″ / 50 lb (same height)
Colorado Bulldog — 22″ / 80 lb (same height)
Dalmatian — 22″ / 58 lb (same height)
Dingo — 22″ / 35 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Portuguese Water?: An adult Portuguese Water stands about 22 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Portuguese Water considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 22" / 51 lb, the Portuguese Water falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #105 tallest.
How does a Portuguese Water compare to a person?: At 22" tall, a Portuguese Water stands about 34% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Portuguese Water

Portuguese Water dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home