Portuguese Water Dogs are a dog breed bred by the Portuguese at least 500 years ago to help with the fishing. They are similar in size to a Wheaten Terrier and are usually black but can also be brown or white. Their closest relatives are the Standard Poodle; and like poodles they have curly coats, do not shed, and are highly intelligent. However, Portuguese Water Dogs have less curly fur than poodles, feathery tails, and are smaller than the Standard Poodle breed.
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The Portuguese Water Dog is principally a sporting breed. It is robust and is endowed with amazing stamina. It should preferably live near the coast, rivers or lakes on order that that its health remains both mentally and physically sound.
Temperament
Portuguese Water dogs make excellent companions. They are loving and intelligent. Because they are working dogs, they are generally content in being at their master's side. Owners of this breed will attest that their PWD usually stays in close proximity to them both indoors and outdoors. This is typical of the breed, as it loves attention and prefers to be engaged in activity. Do not be surprised if your PWD brings you a "gift" or toy when you get home as a way of controlling his enthusiasm in greeting you. This breed makes an excellent guard dog due to its determination to defend its territory and a very loud and distinctive bark.
When bored, PWDs like to chew. Heavy-duty chew toys can help keep him occupied. Be sure to Portie-proof your home, by keeping all fragile items (especially potted plants) out of reach. Make sure you research what types of plants (such as Poinsettias) and foods (such as chocolate)are poisonous to dogs before getting one. A bored PWD can become destructive. They get into the garbage, snag food off the kitchen counters and can even open cabinet doors.
Formal Breed Standard
Breed Standard for the Portugese Water Dog
History and Origins
The Portuguese Water Dog or Cao d'Agua, is an ancient breed which for centuries existed wherever fishing villages where to be found along the Portuguese coastline. Nowadays, although its numbers are depleted, it can still be seen in the southern province of Algave.
The origins of the breed are not known but is believed its ancestors were originally herding dogs in Asia, before migrating to western Europe to become employed by Portuguese fisherman.
The breed's love of water, plus its exceptional swimming and diving qualities, enabled the fisherman to use these dogs in a number of ways.
They used to accompany the fishing fleets when they put to sea. Their tasks were many and varied. Whether they sailed in the cold northern waters around Newfoundland or the warmer seas near the Portuguese coast, the dogs were in their element - retrieving and diving for fish which had escaped the nets or retrieving broken or damaged nets and tackle which had been washed overboard. They also acted as couriers carrying messages - in cylinders attached to their collars - between the boats and the shore.
When the fleet was at home, the dogs usually lived on the boats. They were excellent guard dogs making sure their master' property was well protected.
Some years before the Second World War, their numbers declined. Native breeds in a number of countries suffered the same fate as methods in agriculture and the environment changed. Efforts to re-build the breed and save it from extinction were successfully undertaken by the Portuguese Kennel Club, so that nowadays the Portuguese Water Dog is established in other countries besides Portugal.
Size & Weight
Male Portuguese Water Dogs usually grow to be about 20 to 23 inches tall, and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds, while the females usually grow to be about 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 35 to 50 pounds.
Grooming Requirements
If your water dog does not need to be in a show coat, you can have him/her trimmed right back. The coat will continue to grow, so will require regular trimming, and brushing. Be prepared to put in a bit of time every couple of days to make your boy look his best. Matts and knots will need to be brushed out. A PWD with a coat that is looked after well looks magnificent.
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Portuguese Water Dogs can make a shambles of your house and yard.
Health Issues
As with all dog breeds, PWDs are vulnerable to certain genetic defects. Like poodles, PWDs are vulnerable to hip dysplasia and cataracts. However, the risk of a PWD developing hip dysplasia can be greatly reduced by thoroughly checking the pedigrees and health clearances in both the sire and am of your do.
