The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, hard working dog that was bred to help fishermen. They generally get along well with other dogs but should be socialized when young for other pets. If at all possible, they need plenty of exercise and if there can be water involved, you have a happy dog. They are said to love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Portuguese Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Be on the lookout for skin conditions, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Portuguese Water Dog has a profuse, heavy coat of either curly or wavy hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Portuguese Water Dog can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugal where they were used to herd fish for fishermen. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1983.

Some Registries:

*Portuguese Water Dog Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 8 Portuguese Water Dog puppies

Category: Sporting Group, Gundog

Terms To Describe: Obedient, spirit, robust, good swimmer, alert guard, companion, loyal, brave, intelligent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Makes a good guard dog.

Little to no shed.

Slow growing coat.

Fast learners.

Love the water.

*Other Names Known By: Cao de Agua, Sea Dog, Diving Dog, Portuguese Fishing Dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Dog picture taken by andy_kyte_uk.

Dog picture taken by OakleyOriginals.

This video was taken when Miya – a Portuguese Water Dog – was only 8 weeks old and 8lbs. She was more scared of going down the stairs than going … all » up, but she quickly overcame her fear.

So, the Obamas have finally added that new puppy to their family, and his cute little face is staring at you from every newspaper/magazine/website you come across and suddenly you find yourself thinking “Aawww… he’s so sweet. I want one of those”

But wait…. just because the ‘First Family’ has one, it doesn’t mean YOU should! Every dog breed is different, with different needs, behavior, and requirements – and every home is different too.

Portuguese Water Dog puppies are adorable teddy bear ‘look-alikes’, and their lively and affectionate personalities makes them very endearing. But before all those cute photos in the media have you searching for a breeder with a puppy to sell, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to learn more about the breed, and figure out whether it’s the right ‘fit’ for you.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an old breed, know in it’s native land as Cao de Agua (literally meaning ‘dog of the water’). The ancestors of todays’ PWDs played an important role in their country’s’ fishing industry, and were used to herd fish, retrieve lines/tackle, carry messages from boat to boat or to shore, and act as guardians when protection was needed.

A medium to large sized dog, an adult will measure anywhere between 17 and 23 inches in height, and weigh between 35 and 60lbs. A female will usually be smaller/lighter than a male, but both sexes should be solidly built and muscular.

This courageous, hardy and spirited dog still carries the attributes of a working breed, and in spite of it’s cuddly looks, it is most definitely not a lap-dog. Portuguese Water Dogs need lots of vigorous exercise and an active lifestyle, but can be happy in an average-sized home/yard if given plenty of opportunity to run and play on a daily basis.

They bond closely with their owners and always want to be by your side. This isn’t an independent breed who can be happy left alone for long periods inside or out, and your Portuguese Water Dog pup will want (and need) to be an integral part of your family’s’ life.

Outgoing, intelligent and eager to learn, Portuguese Water Dogs make great obedience or agility dogs, and although often considered too small to fill the ‘service dog’ role, they can be great therapy dogs. Regular socialization and obedience training are very important if you want your PWD to grow up to be all that it can be.

Portuguese Water Dogs can make excellent family pets, and their exuberance and energy levels make them a lot of fun but they can sometimes ‘play rough’. They’re also known to be a ‘mouthy’ breed, and may nip/bite more than usual.

Although consistent correction will eliminate the mouthing and rough-housing, if you have very young children you may want to take this into account. Generally this breed is fine with other dogs, and can live alongside cats if introduced to them early on.

Their tendency towards ‘mouthiness’ can also show up as excessive chewing, and you’ll need to make sure you have a lot of very sturdy chew toys handy for your Portuguese Water Dog puppy (or your home and belongings will suffer!).

The long wavy or curly hair that makes them so adorably ‘shaggy’, needs regular grooming and a daily brush or comb is the best way to keep matts and tangles at bay. Regular clipping or trimming is also recommended.

Portuguese Water Dogs have a single layer coat which is very low-shedding and this means they are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. If you or your children have dog hair allergies, this breed is less likely to trigger symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that allergies vary greatly from person to person, and there’s no such thing as an ‘allergy-free’ dog breed.

It’s best to spend some time around any breed you are considering BEFORE buying a puppy, that way you can find out exactly how you’re affected by them.

If this breed sees a sudden growth in popularity, finding a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder may become a bit more difficult. Poor breeding practices fueled by the prospect of a quick financial profit, have been responsible for a decrease in the overall health and looks of many breeds in the past.

If you decide that a Portuguese Water Dog is the one for you, take the time to find a responsible breeder with dogs who have been screened for potential genetic/hereditary conditions, and who offers a health contract.

Some conditions that may be found in this breed, and for which screening is available for breeding stock, include Hip Dysplasia, GM1 Storage Disease, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. If the breeder you’re talking to asks you a lot of questions, that’s a good sign… it means that she really cares about the homes her puppies go to.

When it comes to the adoption v purchase issue, there are some very strong feelings on both sides! There are thousands of dogs in shelters and pounds all around the country who are in desperate need of loving homes, and they’re almost always there through no fault of their own.

Adoption should always be considered when you’re adding a new puppy/dog to the family, even if you have your heart set on a purebreed, because there are many purebred rescue organizations.

However, Portuguese Water Dogs are not in the same position as, say, Labrador Retrievers. There simply isn’t the same number (or even close to it!) of puppies or dogs looking for new homes as there is with the more popular and well known breeds. Finding a Portuguese Water Dog breeder in your area is going to be a challenge, and the chances of finding a purebred PWD being in a local rescue center or pound are very slim.

There may be mixed-breed pups who have Portuguese Water Dog ancestry, and these will make just as wonderful a pet as any purebred puppy – but, if you want a purebred pup who can be registered, buying from a reputable breeder is probably going to be your best option.

So, IS the Portuguese Water Dog right for your family and lifestyle?

…. If you’ve read this whole article and can honestly say that you can provide a Portuguese Water Dog with a home environment where it can thrive, the time and attention it needs, AND you’re still in love with that adorable teddy-bear look, I wish you and your new best friend a long and happy life together.

Meet Brio, our 6-year-old Portie

A friend of Top Dog tells us what it’s really like to own a Portuguese Water Dog. Thanks to Hannah and Tilly!

Playing in the water on a hot summer day in Vancouver

Portuguese Water Dog puppies from a litter of 12 at Galaxy Kennels, 7 weeks old, in robust play.

Dog picture taken by dicarlo.

As readily apparent from its name the Portuguese Water Dog hails from Portugal and for centuries before it was finally superseded by technology it remained the Portuguese fisherman’s consummate all-purpose fishing tool. The exact ancestral origins of the Portuguese Water Dog remain unknown but it is quite closely related to other European water dog breeds save for the fact that they generally specialized in waterfowl retrieval whereas the Portuguese Water Dog’s specialties lay elsewhere. Unsubstantiated evidence does tend to suggest that the breed’s ancestral heritage originated somewhere in central Asia around 700 B.C. and that the Portuguese water dog was taken to Portugal by the Visigoths circa the fifth century.

Some of the many functions ascribed to the Portuguese Water Dog in earlier times included:

• Herding fish into nets
• Message courier
• Functioning as a lookout
• Translocating and retrieving nets; as well as
• Rescuing capsized fishermen

From the time of the Middle ages the Portuguese Water Dog performed as the ultimate fisherman’s in-water assistant making the lives of the fishermen of the Algarve on Portugal’s southern coast that much easier. Anytime a small fleet of fishing boats would set out the Portuguese water Dog would be in the thick of the action, conveying messages from boat to boat, alerting the fishermen by barking whenever it spotted a shoal of fish and during foggy conditions the dog with its unique “rising-and-falling” bark would act as a canine foghorn.

The first documented evidence of the Portuguese Water Dog was in 1297 from a monks account where he narrates how he was saved from drowning in the sea by a dog with a “black coat, the hair long and rough, cut to the first rib and with a tail tuft.” Known as Cao de Agua in Portugal which translates as “dog of water”, the Portuguese Water Dog is also sometimes referred to as the Portuguese Fishing Dog, the Diving Dog or the Sea Dog.

By the early 20th century as traditional fishing methods became obsolete as a result of advances in technology the Portuguese Water Dog numbers dwindled to the brink of extinction. As fate would have it though, the Portuguese water Dog breed was introduced to one Vasco Bensuade, a wealthy Portuguese shipping magnate who had a fondness for dogs. Vasco Bensuade loved the breed and acquired a dog which he named Leao (lion).

It was through the efforts of Vasco Bensuade that the future of the Portuguese Water Dog was consolidated and a breed standard was written and the dogs thereafter soon began appearing in dog shows. Bensaude’s dog Leao became the founding sire of the kennel he set up to develop and sustain the Portuguese Water Dog breed at Algarbiorum, and Leao also became the standard upon which the Portuguese Water Dog breed was eventually based on.

However despite Vasco Bensuade’s valiant efforts to revive the Portuguese Water Dog, by the 1960s the breed was once again teetering on the brink of extinction with only about 50 dogs in existence worldwide. Once again destiny’s kindly hand reached out to intervene this time in the form of two Americans; Deyanne and Herbert Miller, Jr. The Millers acquired a Portuguese Water Dog from the very same Algarbiorum Kennel that Vasco Bensuade had established in the 1930s (and which was later acquired after his death by a former lady bullfighter, Conchita Branco).

The Millers named the dog that they acquired Renascenca (renaissance) do Al Gharb with high hopes of saving the breed with former founding sire Leao’s descendant. The Millers were successful in their endeavors forming in 1972, along with fourteen other breeders established, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc. (PWDCA). Today there are in existence over 5000 Portuguese Water dogs and the breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club in June of 1981 under the miscellaneous category.

The crowning achievement of the Portuguese Water Dog breed’s fight of survival is that in 2009 it was been short-listed as a very strong contender to become part of the First family in the White House as the First Canine. For lovers of this breed such news is a mixed bag because although the resultant popularity will increase breed awareness it will also lead in a surge of backyard breeders, puppy mills pushing the breed and fly-by-night dog owners who are inspired by the sudden publicity and popularity to acquire a Portuguese Water Dog only to abandon it sooner than later!

Portuguese Water Dog Temperament

The Portuguese Water dog breed is a gregarious, fun-loving pet that boasts an excellent and balanced disposition. The dog gets along very well with other pets including dogs and also does extremely well with children. This breed has a high affectionate and playfulness level that is more than sufficient to delight and endear any child making it an ideal family pet.

Portuguese Water Dog Upkeep

In keeping with its ancestral and genetic pedigree this active dog breed needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis if it is not to become a nuisance. Ideally the physical activity should be in the form of a daily swim to sate the dog’s love of water but failing that then a long brisk walk or daily jog should suffice. The Portuguese Water Dog does best when closely integrated and involved with its human family. The coat of this dog breed should be combed every other day in order to prevent matting and clumping and it should also be clipped on a monthly basis.

Portuguese Water Dog Characteristics

Health:

Major Health Issues: PRA

Minor Health Issues: GM1 storage disease; Distichiasis; Addisons; CHD; Juvenile Cardiomyopathy; Follicular dysplasia (hair loss); Irritable bowel syndrome (rare); Seizures (rare)

Lifespan: 10 – 14 years

Portuguese Water Dog Form & Function

The Portuguese Water Dog is a well proportioned canine that is slightly longer than it is tall. The breed is of medium build with good musculature and has excellent stamina to work on or out of the water for long durations. This breed exists in two coat variations:

• The long-haired variant also known as the Cao de Agua de Pelo Ondulado in Portugal; and
• The curly-coated variant which is known as the Cao de Agua de Pelo Encaradolado.

The Portuguese Water Dog is also a good choice of dog breed for allergy sufferers because it is hypo to non-allergenic (especially the curly-coated variant).

Like the better known Labrador Retriever that also loves swimming the feet of the Portuguese Water Dog have webbed toes to assist movement whilst in the water.

The coat of this breed is generally trimmed in two variations:

• Lion Trim: Here the rear-end of the dogs body is closely cropped giving the impression of a male lion with a mane; hence the name. The historical value of this type of trim was that supposedly by trimming the dogs coat on the rear half of its body drag was reduced when the dog was swimming. The close trim extends to the tip of the tail which is left untouched as a bushy tuft.

• Retriever Trim: Here the coat of the Portuguese Water Dog is clipped consistently across its entire length to approximately 1 inch in length.

Coat Color:

Acceptable coat colors of this breed include: black, brown, white or any combination of black and white or brown and white.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a gregarious breed, always on the lookout for fun and games. They make an outstanding family pet and behaves excellent around children and other dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs absolutely thrive on human interaction and love, so giving lots of attention is a requirement for anyone who owns one. An active lifestyle is also essential as these canines cannot sit still for very long without needing to play or run outside.

A Brief History Of The Portuguese Water Dog

As its name suggests, the area of origin of the Portuguese Water Dog is Portugal. A hard-working and focused water dog, its ancestry probably has some Poodle in the bloodline (as you can judge from its appearance). In its native land, the breed is known as “Cao de Agua”, which translates into “water dog”. They come in two varieties: long-haired and curly-coated.

We do know that its ancestors were herding dogs that came from the central Asian steppes. It is estimated that the dogs arrived in Portugal from either two possibly routes: In the 5th century from the Visigoths or in the 8th century from the Berbers and Moors.

Once the breed had established itself in Portugal, its usefulness as a water dog became increasingly popular. They served couriers from boats to other boats and to the shoreline. They were excellent retrievers when fisherman needed them to swim after nets or other equipment to bring the items back in. The dogs would also work alongside trawler crews when fishing the Iceland waters.

Unfortunately, with the wonderful inventions of technology many old ways of doing things cease to exist. The same was true for the Portuguese Water Dog. During the early part of the 20th century, new fishing methods were born and less use was needed of the dogs. They had all but become extinct until the work of one man saved the breed. His name was Dr. Vasco Bensuade.

Dr. Bensuade was a rich shipping magnate who was so enthusiastic about the breed that he heavily promoted it in various parts of the world. He reorganized the breed club and the Portuguese Water Dog could be seen in show rings as it made its way to the United States during the 1950s, gaining AKC recognition in 1984.

Upkeep Requirements For The Portuguese Water Dog

These dogs are probably one of the most energetic and lively breeds alive today. They have a  seemingly endless amount of energy to swim, run, play, and retrieve. Therefore it should be no surprise that daily exercise is an absolute must for a Portuguese Water Dog to be happy. If kept cooped up inside then the dog can become frustrated and destructive.

They have a moderate tolerance for both hot and cold climates but should live inside with the family as they cannot live life to its fullest without constant human contact. Grooming the Portuguese Water Dog calls for a thorough brushing every other day, with professional clipping about once each month.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Portuguese Water Dog is between ten and fourteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is PRA. Minor issues that may come up include hair loss, CHD, GM1 storage disease, Addison’s, distichiasis, and juvenile cardiomyopathy. Veterinarians suggest that the breed get tested for DNA for GM1, eye and hip problems.

History

The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Algarve in Portugal, which is a coastal area. It is thought to be an ancient breed from before the Christian era. The first written account of this breed was penned by a monk. He described the dog rescuing a sailor from the water almost dead. This was written in 1297.

The Portuguese Water Dog herded fish to nets, recovered lost tackle, and broken nets. They brought messages from one boat to another.

General Looks

The body is of medium build. It is well muscled and has webbed feet. The ears are shaped like hearts. It has a thick tail, which acts as a rudder.

Is This Your Breed?

It needs extreme exercise each day. It takes easily to obedience training. The fur is hypoallergenic. The coat needs regular brushing and monthly clipping.

Coat

The coat is single and thick.

Color

The colors are black, white, and brown. It can be white with black or brown spots or just the opposite. It can also be gray or silver.

Locomotion

It steps when walking are energetic and short. The trot is balanced and agile.

Personality

These are superior in intelligence, faithful, affectionate, and brave. They are resilient and have great endurance. It plays enthusiastically. It is faithful and does well with kids. It likes swimming, retrieving, and jogging. It is better off with a large fenced yard. It responds well to the tone of voice of the trainer, so training with gentleness and consistency works well.

Portuguese Water Dog video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=k57PksQTyYI