Portuguese Water Dog vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Chorkie - Breed ComparisonChorkie is originated from United States but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Chorkie may grow 48 cm / 18 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Chorkie may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Portuguese Water Dog. Chorkie may live 3 years less than Portuguese Water Dog. Chorkie may have less litter size than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Chorkie and Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
5 - 9 cm
1 - 4 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Chiyorkie • York Chi • Yorkie-Chi • Yorkchi • Yorkiechi • Yorkiehuahua
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
brown to black, white to tan, beige to grey.
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
variable – long/silky or short/smooth
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chorkieThe Chorkie is a very popular little dog but he is not a purebred. The Chorkie was developed by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Chihuahua. Probably the most popular Chorkie ever was the Taco Bell dog in the 1990s. This hybrid is a young breed created in the late 1900’s. These small, toy dogs are great lapdogs. It’s not possible to know the exact heritage of the Chorkies but the initial crossing of the two breeds occurred in the early part of the 20th century.

The Chorkie makes a great indoor pet best suited for the single or elderly person. Not because the Chorkie does not like children but because they are so small they can be easily injured by children. They are continuing to grow in popularity all the time among those who enjoy the new designer dogs.

portuguese water dogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

Description

chorkie puppy - descriptionAs mentioned previously the Chorkie is a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and the Chihuahua. They Tend to look more like the terrier than the Chi with a small head carried high on a well-proportioned body, with the long silky hair of the Yorkie. Their head carried the shape of the Chihuahua. Like the Chihuahua, they have mostly pointed ears although some Chorkies have droopy ears. The Chorkie coat is silky, long, and can be in a variety of colors. The ears are either fringed like the Yorkie or smooth like the Chihuahua.

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

Characteristics

chorkie dog - characteristicsRemember that the Chorkie is a cross breed and not a purebred. Its temperament is that of a mixed breed dog which is usually laid back and mellow. The Chorkie might bark a lot as both the Yorkshire and the Chihuahua are known to bark. It can carry the traits of either or both of its parents.

The Chorkie is a great lap dog though he can be stubborn and wear their owner out with all their energy. They are playful and willful and need strong leadership despite their small size. They will bark at anything they find to be suspicious. Despite their size they are highly intelligent and very loyal, affectionate dogs. They love their people and will not like it if you leave them alone very often. They are quite brave to the point of being reckless and can be aggressive toward dogs a lot bigger than they are. Due to their courage and their barking they are great family dogs.

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

Health Problems

chorkie puppies - health problemsChorkies can have any of the health issues of any toy dog but they are known to be prone to allergies and skin issues. They are susceptible to injury from children or rough play including possible tracheal collapse.

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chorkie dogs - caringThese small dogs have a lot of energy and need to eat a food that is high in quality calories. No empty calories for these guys. Feed them at least twice a day and no more than a fourth of a cup of dry food for the entire day. They can become overweight easily so do not overfeed.

Health issues

Additional health issues might include knee cap dislocation leading to arthritis or lameness and a tendency to develop low blood sugar.

Exercise and games

Again, these are high energy little dogs. They need to be exercised or at least have brisk play inside the house. They excel at competitive games such as barn hunt, agility and obedience.

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Chorkie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chorkie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chorkie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chorkie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chorkie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chorkie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chorkie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chorkie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chorkie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chorkie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chorkie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chorkie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chorkie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chorkie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chorkie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chorkie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chorkie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chorkie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chorkie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chorkie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chorkie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chorkie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chorkie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chorkie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison