Description: Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate breed originally developed to assist fishermen along the coast of Portugal. Known for their curly, water-resistant coats and remarkable swimming abilities, these dogs were used for herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and acting as couriers between boats. Portuguese Water Dogs are renowned for their high energy levels and playful personalities, making them wonderful companions for active families. They bond closely with their human families and are generally good with children and other pets. Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, they excel in obedience and dog sports. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a popular choice for people with allergies, though regular grooming is necessary to keep it in shape. This breed thrives on consistent exercise and mental stimulation and prefers being involved in all family activities.
Portuguese Water Dog ratings
Properties
The Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent and energetic breed originally developed to assist fishermen along the coast of Portugal. Renowned for its remarkable swimming ability, this breed was traditionally used to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and serve as a courier between boats and shore. Portuguese Water Dogs are easily recognized by their curly or wavy, water-resistant double coat, which sheds very minimally and is considered a good option for allergy sufferers. The breed comes in various colors, including black, white, brown, or combinations thereof.
This breed is of medium size, with males typically standing between 20 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder, and females slightly smaller at 17 to 21 inches. Their muscular, athletic build supports their stamina and agility in the water, making them excellent participants in canine sports such as agility, obedience, and water trials. Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their webbed feet, which contribute to their powerful swimming skills and efficiency in aquatic activities.
Temperamentally, Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. They are known for forming strong bonds with their families and are generally friendly with children as well as other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their high intelligence and keen desire to learn mean they respond very well to training, but these same traits require mental stimulation and regular exercise to prevent boredom-related behaviors. Without sufficient activity, this spirited breed may develop destructive habits or excessive barking.
The Portuguese Water Dog is also celebrated for its versatility, adapting well to various living situations provided its exercise needs are met. They thrive in active homes where they can participate in daily physical activities, such as walking, running, swimming, or games of fetch. Grooming needs are moderate to high, as their non-shedding coat requires regular brushing and trimming to prevent mats and tangles. In terms of health, the breed is generally robust, but can be prone to certain hereditary conditions, including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, so responsible breeding and regular veterinary care are important.
Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog combines intelligence, athleticism, and a loving temperament, making it a cherished companion for active families who can meet its physical and mental demands.
Appearance
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, robust, and athletic breed, instantly recognizable by its distinctive curly or wavy coat. Developed as a working dog for fishermen along the Portuguese coast, this breed combines strength, agility, and endurance with an intelligent, alert expression. Males typically stand between 20 to 23 inches (51–58 cm) at the shoulder and weigh from 42 to 60 pounds (19–27 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing 17 to 21 inches (43–53 cm) and weighing 35 to 50 pounds (16–23 kg).
The breed's most striking feature is its single-layered, waterproof coat, which can be either curly or wavy, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional protection against the harsh conditions of cold waters. Common coat colors include black, white, brown, or combinations of black or brown with white. White markings are often seen on the chest, paws, muzzle, and tip of the tail. The coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and can be trimmed in two traditional styles: the 'lion clip', which leaves the forequarters and front legs full while the hindquarters, muzzle, and base of the tail are clipped short; and the 'retriever clip', where the coat is trimmed evenly over the entire body.
The Portuguese Water Dog has a well-proportioned, muscular body. Its head is broad and slightly longer than the muzzle, with large, expressive, dark brown eyes conveying intelligence and spirited character. The ears are set high, dropped, and covered with abundant hair. The nose is broad and well-developed, with wide-open nostrils—usually black on black or white dogs and brown on brown dogs. Jaws are strong and teeth form a scissor or level bite.
The breed's tail is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point; it is often carried high in a ring shape when the dog is alert or moving. The feet are webbed, which is a distinctive and functional trait that contributes to their exceptional swimming ability. Their gait is lively and purposeful, with a springy, harmonious movement that reflects the breed's working origins. Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog presents an impression of energy, balance, and capability, perfectly adapted for both land and water activities.
History
The Portuguese Water Dog, known in its native language as "Cão de Água Português," has a fascinating and ancient heritage that is closely tied to the seafaring traditions of Portugal. Its origins are believed to date as far back as the pre-Roman era on the Iberian Peninsula. Early evidence suggests the breed descended from herding or working dogs brought by various tribes migrating through Central Asia, and its development was shaped over centuries to adapt to the demands of life along the rugged Portuguese coast.
The breed’s primary occupation was as a fisherman’s loyal companion. Portuguese Water Dogs were highly valued for their intelligence, robust swimming ability, and webbed feet, which made them excellent at retrieving nets, herding fish into nets, and carrying messages or objects between boats and from ship to shore. These duties made the dogs an indispensible asset for Portuguese fishermen. The first detailed written reference to the breed is from a 13th-century monk, who described a long-haired water dog removing a sailor from the sea.
As fishing technologies modernized in the 20th century, the demand for working water dogs declined, and the breed faced the risk of extinction. However, a group of Portuguese dog enthusiasts, led famously by Vasco Bensaude, initiated organized breeding efforts in the 1930s and 1940s to preserve the breed. This led to the establishment of the breed standard and a small but devoted following. The first breed club, the Clube Português do Cão de Água, was formed in 1934.
Portuguese Water Dogs began to garner international attention during the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the United States. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983. Interest in the breed surged in the early 21st century when Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, joined the family of President Barack Obama.
Today, the Portuguese Water Dog is celebrated not only for its historic work ethic and versatility but also for its hypoallergenic coat, intelligence, and affectionate nature, making it a cherished companion breed worldwide.