PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

Temperament:  Impetuous, Docile, Quarrelsome.
Height: 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

Portuguese Water Dogs once served as crew on fishing trips, retrieving lost gear and herding fish into nets.

Today, this dog breed makes for a fun-loving family companion represented by Bo Obama, former First Dog of the U.S. who still retains their intelligence and love of the water, not to mention the webbed feet, that made them so valuable to their human family.

Known variously as the Cao de Agua (dog of the water) and Portuguese fishing dog, these canine helpmeets developed into what we know today as the Portuguese Water Dog, a calm, intelligent, and of course water-loving breed. In fact, one of their distinctive characteristics is their webbed feet.

Like his relative the Poodle, the Portie has a reputation for being hypoallergenic. It’s not quite true — there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. All dogs shed and produce dander to some degree. But the Portie doesn’t shed much.

PERSONALITY

The Portuguese Water Dog is a loyal, lively, water-loving dog. Animated, amusing, spirited and fun to be around, it often makes people laugh. This breed is affectionate with its family. They have great stamina, and with enough exercise will be calm. They are excellent with children and usually get along with other dogs and pets without any problems. They need to get to know cats so that the company of them will also cause no problems. They are even- and pleasant-tempered. Brave, keenly aware, highly intelligent and trainable; keen to work and quick to learn and understand instructions. Training these dogs is not difficult if you understand how to properly communicate with the canine animal. They are very sensitive to the tone of your voice and owners need to be calm, but show a consistent authority.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you’ll need to shake into your dog’s bowl.

HEALTH

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Porties will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog’s been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

In Portuguese Water Dogs, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that the eyes are normal, an Optigen rating for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and a DNA test for GM1 (storage disease).

Because some health problems don’t appear until a dog reaches full maturity, health clearances aren’t issued to dogs younger than 2 years old. Look for a breeder who doesn’t breed her dogs until they’re two or three years old.

CARE

Porties are people lovers and they should live in the home, not outside. Ideally, they’ll have a fenced yard where they can play safely — although with enough exercise, they can adapt to apartment life.

A Portie needs 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily: long walks, jogging or swimming, or games of fetch. With enough exercise, he’s a quiet companion indoors. Without it, well, you may come home to find your belongings chewed to bits.

Train your Portuguese Water Dog using positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. Avoid endless repetition or he’ll get bored.

This is a dog who learns quickly and enjoys mastering new skills. Training your Portuguese Water Dog for obedience, agility, tracking, or water work is a great way to stimulate his mind and give him the activity he enjoys.

Any type of training will help you build a special bond with your Portie. Give him a job to do and he’ll be thrilled.

Be aware that the Portuguese Water Dog likes to chew. Provide him with plenty of chew toys, rotate them regularly so he doesn’t get bored, and teach him early what’s okay to chew and what’s not.

GROOMING

With his handsome and abundant coat, the grooming requirements of the Portuguese Water Dog are above average. Regular grooming is essential to keep his coat in good condition, including brushing, bathing, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning. You can let the coat grow long or clip it short. Expect to groom (do it yourself or better yet, hire a professional groomer) your dog every six to eight weeks, especially if you wish to keep the coat trimmed short. Regular brushing several times a week with a pin or slicker brush is necessary if you let the coat grow out. Regular tooth brushing with a soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste keep the teeth and gums healthy.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED