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The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its strong bond with its human family. They thrive on love and attention and make excellent companions. Their loyalty means they are protective of their loved ones, making them effective watchdogs.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its strong bond with its human family. They thrive on love and attention and make excellent companions. Their loyalty means they are protective of their loved ones, making them effective watchdogs.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Portuguese Water Dog Guide
About Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, affectionately known as the Portie or PWD, is a robust and energetic breed renowned for its intelligence, loyalty and strong work ethic. This breed is typically non-aggressive and friendly toward strangers, provided they are socialised from a young age.
Lifespan
11 to 13 years
Weight
16 to 28 kg
Height
43 to 58 cm
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog has a unique, non-shedding coat that comes in two types: curly and wavy. Both types require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy.
Origins
The Portuguese Water Dog’s origins can be traced back to the Algarve region of Portugal, where they were bred as working dogs for fishermen. Their primary tasks included retrieving lost fishing equipment, herding fish into nets, and acting as couriers between boats or between boats and shore.
As fishing practices modernised, the need for the Portuguese Water Dog diminished, and their numbers declined drastically.
In the 1930s, a Portuguese shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude took an interest in preserving the breed. He began a breeding program with a few remaining specimens, focusing on maintaining their working abilities and physical traits.
Thanks to Bensaude’s efforts, the Portuguese Water Dog survived near extinction and eventually gained popularity as a family companion and working dog.
The breed was introduced to the United States in the 1950s. The breed gained further attention in 2009 when US President Barack Obama and his family received a PWD named Bo as their family pet. The breed has gone from strength to strength since then, rising rapidly in popularity.
Key Characteristics Of Portuguese Water Dogs
Are Portuguese Water Dogs Family-Friendly?
The Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent family pet, known for its affectionate and loyal nature. They generally get along well with children and other pets, provided they are socialised from an early age.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Portuguese Water Dogs may suffer from:
GM1 Disease
A genetic disorder characterized by the deficiency of a specific enzyme, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances in the nervous system, resulting in neurological issues and a shortened lifespan.
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
A heart condition characterized by an enlarged and weakened heart, leading to poor cardiac function and potential congestive heart failure.
Nature / Temperament
Brave, Strong-willed, Independent, Smart, Loyal
Suitable Environment
Portuguese Water Dogs can adapt to various living situations as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are relatively large, and aren’t particularly calm indoors – making them better suited to larger homes.
Other Considerations
● With a strong work ethic and boundless energy, the Portuguese Water Dog is a playful and spirited breed.
● They generally get along well with children and other pets, provided they are socialised from an early age.
● Portuguese Water Dogs have a weather-resistant coat that offers protection against both cold and heat.
How can I take good care of my Portuguese Water Dog?
Nutrition
Puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements. Puppies need higher protein levels and calories to support their growth and development, while seniors may require a diet tailored to their changing metabolism and activity levels.
Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the most appropriate food for your Portuguese Water Dog’s life stage.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food or work with a veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced homemade diet for your PWD. Look for foods that use whole, natural ingredients. Always give your PWD access to clean drinking water.
Grooming
Regular brushing is crucial for both curly and wavy coat types of the Portuguese Water Dog. Aim to brush your PWD at least once a week to remove dirt, debris and prevent tangles or matting.
Use a slicker brush or a comb with rounded teeth to gently work through the coat.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Clipping or trimming is recommended every six to eight weeks, while brushing should be done at least once a week.
There are different clip styles to choose from, such as the “lion clip” or “retriever clip.”
Consult a professional groomer or your veterinarian for advice on the best style for your dog based on its coat type and lifestyle.
Bathe your Portuguese Water Dog as needed, typically every four to six weeks or when they get dirty.
Exercise
Portuguese Water Dogs require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions are essential.
Providing opportunities for your PWD to swim is an added bonus, as they are natural water dogs.
Training
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally easy to train due to their high intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic. They are fast learners and excel in various dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility and even search and rescue.
However, their intelligence also means that they can get bored quickly, so it’s essential to keep training sessions engaging, varied and challenging.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Portuguese Water Dog Questions
No. Portuguese Water Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship and interaction with their family.
Keeping them outdoors for extended periods can lead to feelings of isolation and may cause behavioural issues.
Housetraining Portuguese Water Dog puppies can be a bit challenging as they are highly intelligent and independent dogs. However, they do respond well to training and are eager to please.
Finding a reputable Portuguese Water Dog breeder is the key to getting a healthy, well-behaved Portuguese Water Dog puppy. A puppy from an ethical breeder has a much better chance of growing into a calm, gentle adult dog.
The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog for sale is usually around AUD $3000 to $4000.
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