African Wild Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog
How does the African Wild Dog compare to the Portuguese Water Dog? They are both members of the Canidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Lycaon pictus
- Canis lupus familiaris
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Canidae
- Canidae
- Habitat
- Savanna, grassland, and open woodland
- Coastal regions and human-inhabited areas near water
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- 10-14 years
- Weight
- 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)
- 35-60 lbs (16-27 kg)
African Wild Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog: who would win?

African Wild Dog
18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)

Portuguese Water Dog
35-60 lbs (16-27 kg)
Portuguese Water Dog wins moderate confidence
Portuguese Water Dog is substantially heavier (35-60 lbs (16-27 kg) vs 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Canidae family.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs Coastal regions and human-inhabited areas near water.
- Diet: carnivore vs omnivore.
- Conservation: Endangered vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 35-60 lbs (16-27 kg).
African Wild Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Wild Dog or a Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog wins. Portuguese Water Dog is substantially heavier (35-60 lbs (16-27 kg) vs 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a African Wild Dog and a Portuguese Water Dog?
African Wild Dog and Portuguese Water Dog differ in several ways — habitat: savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs coastal regions and human-inhabited areas near water. diet: carnivore vs omnivore. conservation: endangered vs least concern. weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 35-60 lbs (16-27 kg).
Do African Wild Dog and Portuguese Water Dog live in the same habitat?
No — African Wild Dog lives in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, while Portuguese Water Dog is found in coastal regions and human-inhabited areas near water.
What do African Wild Dog and Portuguese Water Dog eat?
African Wild Dog has a carnivore diet, while Portuguese Water Dog has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Wild Dog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
African Wild Dog is listed as Endangered, while Portuguese Water Dog is listed as Least Concern.
How big are African Wild Dog and Portuguese Water Dog?
African Wild Dog weighs around 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs), while Portuguese Water Dog weighs around 35-60 lbs (16-27 kg).

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African Wild Dog

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Portuguese Water Dog







