The Portuguese water dog hails from Portugal, where it was utilized by Portuguese fishermen for centuries. The dog’s tasks included hauling in fishing nets and transporting supplies and messages between boats and from boats to shorelines. The breed’s numbers dropped considerably once technology took over some of the dog’s fishing responsibilities. Portuguese water dogs first came to the United States in 1958, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Portuguese water dog as a member of the working group in 1983. When President Obama took office, the first family welcomed a Portuguese water dog puppy into the White House, giving the breed a boost in popularity.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, muscular dog of medium size. They are strong and powerful with deep chests and large heads. They have pendant, floppy hears that are completely covered by its profuse, abundant coat. This breed is a good swimmer and has webbed feet. Their coats are either wavy or curly and require a lot of attention. They need to be brushed very often, sometimes several times a day, to prevent hair from tangling. Their ears should be checked regularly. As they enjoy swimming, they should be rinsed after swimming to wash off any dirt or substances that can cause skin irritation.
Personality
The Portugese Water Dog is an amiable, affectionate water rat. Portugese Water Dogs love swimming and have high energy levels. Their exercise needs can be meet with vigorous activities and games. They need mental stimulation, as well as physical exercise. They bond deeply with their owners and do well in active families. They are very friendly toward children and are very playful. They don’t like being left alone and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They also like to jump on people.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Water Dog |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 10-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Portie, PWD, cao de agua, cao de agua Portuges |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Portuguese Water Dog Build Information
The Portuguese water dog is medium in build, standing at an average height of 17 to 23 inches at the shoulders and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds. The coat may be wavy or curly, and the available colors include black, brown, gray, silver fox, white and parti colors. White markings on the chest and paws may be present. If left to grow naturally, the coat will grow indefinitely. The coat sheds very little, making this breed a good choice for allergy sufferers. The earflaps hang downward to frame the face, and the tapered tail is carried low. The paws are webbed to aid in swimming. The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, muscular dog of medium size. They are strong and powerful with deep chests and large heads. They have pendant, floppy hears that are completely covered by its profuse, abundant coat. This breed is a good swimmer and has webbed feet. Their coats are either wavy or curly and require a lot of attention. They need to be brushed very often, sometimes several times a day, to prevent hair from tangling. Their ears should be checked regularly. As they enjoy swimming, they should be rinsed after swimming to wash off any dirt or substances that can cause skin irritation.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Portuguese water dog is an intelligent, energetic and enthusiastic breed. Portuguese water dogs need plenty of daily exercise, they love to swim, and they excel in canine sports activities. They adore children and will never tire of playing. The Portuguese water dog also gets along with other household pets. The breed is known for its entertaining antics that delight families. They are affectionate and can adapt to any situation, including apartment living if they are provided with enough opportunities to exercise. The Portuguese Water Dog is an amiable, affectionate water rat. Portuguese Water Dogs love swimming and have high energy levels. Their exercise needs can be meet with vigorous activities and games. They need mental stimulation, as well as physical exercise. They bond deeply with their owners and do well in active families. They are very friendly toward children and are very playful. They don’t like being left alone and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They also like to jump on people.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Grooming efforts for a Portuguese water dog range from moderate to extensive, depending on whether or not the coat is clipped short regularly by a professional groomer. If the coat is left to grow long, daily brushing and combing will be needed to prevent tangling and matting. The coat of a Portuguese water dog grows slowly. If the coat is clipped short, this may be performed every six to eight weeks. For a short coat, brush two to three times a week to prevent matting. The ears need to be cleaned whenever dirt and debris is seen to prevent infections. The teeth should be brushed at least three times each week to reduce the risk for periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Black, Light Brown, Parti-color, Silver, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Curly |
Portuguese Water Dog Common Health Conditions
The Portuguese water dog lives an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some health conditions that have been noted in the breed include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, microphthalmia, distichiasis, cardiomyopathy, Addison’s disease, GM1 gangliosidosis and sebaceous adenitis.
Portuguese Water Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
When first dog Bo was thrust into the White House lawn spotlight under the Obama administration, the Portuguese water dog saw a surge in breed popularity. The Portuguese water dog originated in Portugal. The Portuguese water dog is also known as a Portie, a PWD, a cao de agua and a cao de agua Portuges. The Portuguese water dog is an intelligent, playful and affectionate family companion that loves the water. The Portuguese water dog stands 17 to 23 inches tall and weighs 35 to 60 pounds. The Portuguese water dog has a moderate energy level. The Portuguese water dog requires moderate to extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a Portuguese water dog is 10 to 14 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | Yes |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
