HISTORY

ORIGIN PORTUGAL

GROUP WORKING GROUP


Portuguese water dogs have existed in Portugal since the Middle Ages. These dogs have been used by the fisherman for swimming, herding schools of fish, and carrying notes from boat to boat.

APPEARANCE(S)

The Portuguese water dog is large dogs with deep chests and high tucked abdomens. The head is triangular with round black eyes and a long muzzle. The ears are drop and the tail in long and thin and carried over the back.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in black, white and variations of black and white. They are sometimes seen in brown.

COAT


The coat short to medium length and has tight curls all over.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL


Moderate to High

POSITIVES


This breed is very active. They love to swim and play. This breed needs to have a family with an active lifestyle that includes water activities. They are good with children and other dogs.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


The Portuguese water dog is known to be loud. They like to bark at all the new things they see and hear. They are also known to be “mouthy”. That is they like to put things in their mouth and hold them or chew them. These do much better is obedience trained.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in the country or city if exercised daily.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed needs to be exercised daily and allowed to swim as much as possible. They also need proper grooming.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Congenital Kidney problems
  • Glycogen storage disease

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

Portuguese Water Dog Club of America
1020 235TH Street
Sergeant Bluff IA, 51054

FUN FACT(S)

The Portuguese Water Dog was on the top dogs in the running to become President Obama’s family dog.
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff