Portuguese Water Dog
Quick Facts
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 50 of 197
Group: Working Group
AKA: PWD, Porties
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Origin Homeland: Portugal, called Can de Aqua (dog of the water)
Recognized by AKC: 1983 and is its 128th breed
General Appearance
Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
Coat: profuse, non-allergenic, non-shedding and waterproof, is distinguished by two coat types, either curly or wavy
Head: an impressive head of considerable breadth and well proportioned mass
Body: ruggedly built, well-knit body
Tail: thickly based tail, carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder.
The PWD provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness.
Standard Colors: Black, Brown or White
Markings: White Markings
History
​The Portuguese Water Dog once lived all along Portugal’s coast, and was used to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and act as a messenger between ships and shore. Fishermen counted on the strong and muscular dogs to be hardworking and seaworthy. They would ride in trawlers from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the freezing cold waters off the coast of Iceland. Technology eventually laid him off from his job, but the breed is still used for water rescue.
Today's PWD is a loving, loyal, caring and fun family pet. They have maintained their high level of intelligence and love of the water. They have webbed-feet to insure their swimming capabilities. You must show them, through consistency, that you mean what you say. They are a true treasure and you will be happy to share you life with this wonderful family member.
LOW NUMBERS OF PWD
PWD almost became extinct in the early 20 century as fishing became more modernized. Fortunately, a wealthy Portuguese dog lover, Vasco Bensuade, stepped in to save the breed. A few decades later this wonderful breed made its way to England and the USA. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed in 1972, despite the fact that there were only 12 known Porties in the U.S. In 1983 the AKC recognized the Portuguese Water Dog as a distinct breed. Today Porties rank 51 out of 155 breeds.
Care
NUTRITION
The Portuguese Water Dog should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
GROOMING
The Portuguese Water Dog’s dense, profuse coat is hypoallergenic but requires regular and extensive grooming. The coat ranges in appearance from tight and curly to loose and wavy. It may be kept in the lion clip (where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped to the skin) or the retriever clip (where the entire coat is clipped to one inch in length and follows the outline of the dog). Beyond regular weekly grooming, an occasional bath will keep the Portie clean and looking his best.
Grooming Frequency
Occasional Bath/Brush
Specialty/Professional
Daily Brushing
Shedding
Infrequency
Frequent
Seasonal
EXERCISE
An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires vigorous exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long daily walks and play sessions with his owner. This extremely versatile breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, dock diving, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owner. For many enthusiasts, the most special of all the training and exercise options for the Portie is water work.
Energy Level
Couch Potato
Needs Lots of Activity
Energetic
TRAINING
The Portuguese Water Dog is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. He is demanding of attention and human contact, and greets friends and family with unbridled enthusiasm. The breed often thinks independently, and a Portie may sometimes challenge his owner’s will. He requires positive training methods as well as daily mental and physical exercise. Porties can sometimes be too exuberant for families with very young children.
Trainability
May be Stubborn
Eager to Please
Easy Training
Temperament/Demeanor
Aloof/Wary
Outgoing
Alert/Responsive
HEALTH
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their stock for health disorders and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed’s unique qualities. A Portie’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.
MENTAL ATTRIBUTES AND STIMULATION
Emotionally the Portuguese Water Dog is stable and sensible. Physically he is lively and athletic, poised for any activity and extremely brave. He loves to play and needs vigorous exercise: long walks, occasional runs, and swimming whenever possible, for he is a master swimmer and diver. A natural retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog is a mouthy dog who will pick up everything in his path, chew up both edible and inedible objects, and use his mouth when he wants you to pet him. They love a good belly rub. Provide a box filled with toys so he can satisfy his oral fixation by carrying something around in his mouth. It is important to teach them from the start to chew the correct toys and chews.
Mental stimulation is just as important to this clever, thinking breed. Get him involved in the sport of agility or advanced obedience, and play lots of vigorous fetching games with him. A Porties will play fetch starting very young age. PWD loves the outdoors and their people. PWDs are strong-minded, with an independent streak and an awesome sense of humor. Consistent leadership (alpha) is a must. Portuguese Water Dogs are accepting of other pets, especially when raised with them.
When well socialized, his reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite, but he should always remain steadfast and hold his ground. This observant breed makes a fine watchdog, but not a guardian. They are calm in nature.