Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog, or Porties, is a beautiful breed which originated in the Algarve region of Portugal and was used to assist fishermen. The unique characteristics of having webbed feet and a strong tail made them an asset to a fisherman’s crew. They are also known as Cao de Agua which is Portuguese for dog of the water. Due to their being strong swimmers they would help fishermen in luring fish into the nets, communicate messages from boat to boat, and recover items that have fallen into the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is known to be extremely smart, friendly, easygoing, devoted, and energetic and would be a great dog for a busy, active family. They are very bright so their training needs to be exciting, stimulating, and challenging. It is best if this breed is trained and socialized at a young age to acclimate them to various situations and people. They have a tendency to chew so that would need to be dealt with while they are young.. A lot of exercise is a requirement for this breed even though they do best living indoors. The Portuguese Water Dog is loyal and does not want to be away from their family, or they could develop separation anxiety. Their motto would be “where the family goes I go.” The breed is usually between 17 inches to 23 inches, and normally weighs between 35-60 pounds. The males are typically heavier and taller, and the females are often lighter and shorter. Portuguese Water Dogs are commonly black, white, or a mix of black/white, but occasionally can have different shades of brown. They have only one coat, so there is no undercoat, and therefore they are low shedders. Their coats are either wavy or curly, and therefore brushing and grooming is necessary to prevent matting. The hair grows constantly so it is vital to brush or comb their coat 2-3 times a week or even daily. This breed does need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks. If they do go into the water it is necessary to rinse the fur off so as to prevent any issues with their skin. They do need their teeth brushed 2-3 times a week if not daily. Overall the Portuguese Water Dog is generally healthy but may have specific ailments specific to the breed.

Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.