Portuguese Water Dog Breed Info
The Portuguese Water Dog is a beloved and versatile breed that brings joy and laughter to any family. One of the most distinctive features of the Portuguese Water Dog is their thick and curly coat, which comes in a variety of colors, including white, brown, and parti-colors. This dense coat provides excellent protection from the cold and wet while working in the water, making them ideal for fishing and retrieving tasks.
Beyond their working abilities, Portuguese Water Dogs are also beloved family companions. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children or active people who enjoy outdoor activities.
This breed thrives on mental and physical stimulation and requires regular exercise to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. They are also highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoying activities such as obedience, agility, and dock diving.
Whether in the water or on land, the Portuguese Water Dog is a beloved and treasured family member that brings endless joy, love, and companionship to their human counterparts.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Sweet, Loyal, Joyful, Outgoing
ADULT WEIGHT
30-60 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
15-20 in
LIFE SPAN
12-14 yrs
Characteristics
- Portuguese Water Dogs are highly sociable and love to be around people, making them excellent family companions and friendly pets
- This breed has a love for adventure and enjoys exploring new environments. They are great outdoor companions for those who love to hike, swim, or spend time on the water
- Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise
- Although they have a thick and curly coat, Portuguese Water Dogs are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming
- This breed is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from city apartments to suburban homes with yards
- Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic due to their low shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies
- This breed is known for their loyalty and devotion to their families
- Portuguese Water Dogs have a playful and energetic personality, making them great playmates for children and other pets
Appearance
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed, standing between 15 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. Their coat is thick, curly, and fluffy, giving them an adorable and cute appearance that makes them stand out from other breeds.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and parti-colors. They have a broad and well-muscled body, a tapered tail, and webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers.
Beyond their unique appearance, Portuguese Water Dogs are also hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Their coat is low-shedding, which means less hair on furniture and clothing, making them a popular breed for those looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Their expressive eyes and fluffy coat give them an irresistible and lovable appearance that is hard to resist. Whether they are working on a fishing boat or lounging at home with their family, Portuguese Water Dogs are an adorable and beloved breed that brings joy and companionship to their human counterparts.
Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for their charming, friendly, and energetic temperament, an excellent choice for families with children and other pets. They love to play and are always up for a game of fetch, but they are equally happy to cuddle up with their owners and enjoy some downtime.
This breed is highly trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement, making them easy to train and eager to please. They are intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation, which makes them great at learning new tricks and commands. Portuguese Water Dogs have a natural love for swimming, and they are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed feet and muscular build.
Their affectionate and loyal nature makes them excellent family companions, and they are known to form deep bonds with their owners. They love to be included in family activities and thrive on attention. They are a great choice for families who love to spend time outdoors and stay active.
Care
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog has a unique and fluffy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. To maintain their coat, they should be brushed at least once a week to prevent mats and tangles from forming. They also benefit from regular baths to keep their coat clean and healthy, and to prevent any unpleasant odors from developing.
In addition to regular brushing and bathing, Portuguese Water Dogs require routine teeth cleaning to maintain their dental health. Dental hygiene is important for all breeds, but particularly for Portuguese Water Dogs, who are prone to dental issues. Brushing their teeth regularly can help prevent tartar build-up, bad breath, and gum disease.
This breed also requires regular trimming of their coat to prevent it from becoming too long and unruly. The hair around their face, ears, and paws should be trimmed regularly to maintain their appearance and to prevent irritation and matting. It's recommended to take them to a professional groomer every few months for a thorough trim.
Grooming requirements are an important aspect to consider when choosing a new family pet, and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. With regular brushing, bathing, and teeth cleaning, as well as the occasional trim, this breed's unique coat can be maintained and kept healthy. They make an excellent choice for families looking for a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed that is easy to groom and care for.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise is important for the overall health and well-being of any dog, and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. With daily exercise and plenty of love and attention, this breed makes a loyal and loving family companion that will provide years of joy and happiness.
Portuguese Water Dogs benefit from at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. This can be achieved through walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced yard. They are excellent swimmers and love to play in the water, so a day at the beach or a swim in a pool or lake is an excellent way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation.
Because of their active nature, Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited for families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention. They do well in homes with fenced yards where they can play and run freely, but they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Health
One of the most common health issues in Portuguese Water Dogs is hip dysplasia. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups can help prevent this condition.
Another condition that Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to is progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams can help catch this condition early, allowing for appropriate treatment.
Other health issues that can occur in Portuguese Water Dogs include ear infections, skin allergies, and thyroid issues. Regular grooming and ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections, while a healthy diet and regular vet check-ups can help prevent and manage skin allergies and thyroid issues.
It is important to note that responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of genetic health issues in any breed. When choosing a Portuguese Water Dog, it is important to do your research and work with a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for genetic health issues.
Lifespan
The Portuguese Water Dog is a remarkable breed, known for its long life and loving personality. With proper care, they can live up to 14 years or longer. They are a hardy breed that enjoys swimming and playing outdoors but also loves snuggling up indoors. With their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, it’s no wonder that this breed has become so popular among families looking for a furry companion.
It is important to keep your Portuguese Water Dog mentally and physically stimulated. They are an intelligent and active breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, swimming, and playtime can help keep your Portuguese Water Dog in top physical and mental shape.
Training
Portuguese Water Dogs are very intelligent dogs that are known for their brilliant minds and eagerness to please. They are a highly trainable breed that can quickly pick up on new commands and tricks.
Because of their intelligence and desire to please, Portuguese Water Dogs excel in a variety of training activities, including obedience, agility, and even water sports. They are also great candidates for advanced training such as search and rescue or therapy work.
However, like all dogs, Portuguese Water Dogs require consistent and patient training to be well-behaved and obedient. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as praise, treats, and playtime.
It's important to start training your Portuguese Water Dog early and to be consistent with your training methods. Basic obedience training should include commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Portuguese Water Dogs are also great swimmers, so introducing them to water early can help build their confidence and encourage their natural swimming abilities.
History
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as PWD, has a long and storied history dating back to the 12th century in Portugal. Originally bred as working dogs for Portuguese fishermen, they were trained to retrieve lost fishing gear, guard boats, and even herd fish into nets.
The breeds popularity grew throughout Portugal, and they were eventually recognized as the country's national dog in the 20th century. The breed's agility, strength, and intelligence made them invaluable to fishermen, and they were even known to dive as deep as 30 feet underwater to retrieve lost fishing gear.
The Portuguese Water Dog's popularity waned as modern fishing techniques emerged in the mid-1900s, leading to their near extinction in the 1970s. Nevertheless, a small group of committed breeders persevered and prevented the breed's extinction. Thanks to their efforts, the PWD has made a comeback in popularity and is now a cherished and versatile breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Beyond their working abilities, the Portuguese Water Dog is also a beloved family companion, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. Their unique curly coat makes them stand out from other breeds, and their hypoallergenic qualities make them an excellent choice for families with allergies.