Portuguese Water Dog
🧠 Temperament & character
The Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, eager to work and spirited, at the same time water-loving and strongly people-oriented. He is affectionate, watchful and eager to learn and would most like to be occupied at all times. Without enough tasks he can become bored and find his own. With consistent, motivating leadership he is a cheerful, reliable and versatile partner.
📜 Origin & history
The Portuguese Water Dog accompanied the fishermen along the coast of Portugal for centuries, especially in the Algarve. He drove fish into the nets, retrieved lost gear from the water and served as a messenger between boats and land. With the modernisation of fishing he became almost superfluous and was at times on the verge of extinction, before dedicated enthusiasts rescued the breed. He gained worldwide fame when the family of US President Obama kept two representatives of this breed.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The curly or wavy coat of the Portuguese Water Dog barely sheds, but must be combed regularly and clipped several times a year, otherwise it mats; the ears need care. As a high-performance water dog he has a high need for exercise and loves swimming, retrieving and dog sport. Equally important is plenty of mental exercise, for he is very clever. He is eager to learn and easy to handle, but needs varied, motivating training.
🩺 Health
The Portuguese Water Dog usually reaches an age of around 11 to 13 years. Breed-typical conditions can include hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases such as PRA, and the serious hereditary diseases GM1 gangliosidosis and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy; the latter two can be avoided by genetic test. Responsible breeders consistently use these tests and examine the hips and eyes.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Portuguese Water Dog suits active people and families who can keep an intelligent, energetic dog well occupied and integrate him into everyday life. For sporty first-time owners he is manageable, provided they take his high need for exercise and thinking seriously. Ideal is a home with access to water and plenty of shared activity. As a low-shedding dog he is of interest to some allergy sufferers and is also enjoying growing popularity in Switzerland.