Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is an affectionate, easy-to-train, eager-to-please, large-sized dog who does well as a family pet and tends to get along with other animals. The breed's name comes from its history as a fisherman's dog—the hardworking Water Dog retrieved fishing nets, carried messages between ships, and rescued shipwrecked sailors from the churning waters of the sea. A love of water persists in the playful Portie and they will seize any opportunity to splash around.

Other Names

The Portuguese Water Dog is also known as a Water Dog, PWD, Portuguese Fishing Dog, and Portie.

Physical Description

Coat

The Portuguese Water Dog has a thick coat with no undercoat. The hair may be curly or wavy and comes in black with or without white markings, brown, and occasionally white. As the PWD has hair rather than fur, it will continue to grow if left unclipped. Because it is a low-shedding breed that produces less dander, the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a hypoallergenic dog and may trigger fewer allergic reactions.

Height

Average Height: 17-19 inches

Weight

Male: 40-55 pounds

Female: 35-50 pounds

Breed Standard & History

The Portuguese Water Dog appears strong and well built. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a broad, deep chest and a large head. Dark eyes are preferred. The tail should be natural, not docked, which aids in diving and swimming. A long, even coat of curly or wavy hair may be clipped in a retriever or lion clip. The Portuguese Water Dog is spirited and brave, highly intelligent, and obedient. – AKC Breed Standards

It's no accident the Portie has 'water' in its name—this working breed has origins in times long past, first described in the 1200s by a monk who observed a Portie-like dog pulling a drowning sailor from the sea. The breed was prized for its hardworking nature as a fishing dog and guard dog. Portuguese Water Dogs were indispensable on fishing ships—they were trained to herd fish directly into the fisherman's nets, to retrieve supplies, and even sailors, from overboard, and to run messages from ship to ship or from ship to shore. Swimming and working all day was easy for this strong, sturdy fishing dog.

As the need for fishing dogs dwindled due to modernization in the fishing industry, so too did examples of the breed. Portuguese Water Dogs nearly went extinct in the 1930s, but fanciers of the water dog sought out these fisherman's dogs and worked to reestablish the breed.

The Portuguese Water Dog first came to America in the 1950s and slowly gained attention. The Portuguese Water Dog Club was formed in 1972, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1983.

AKC Breed Category

Working Group

Personality

General Temperament

The gregarious Portie is an affectionate, people-oriented dog who thrives with a job to do. Retrieving is a favorite pastime and fetch is a game he'll play diligently. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors due to boredom. Never to be taken too seriously, the Portuguese Water Dog has a sense of humor and will display his goofy side to earn laughs. Occasionally, Porties may be too smart for their own good—they may try to outsmart their owners, so a firm and consistent, but never harsh, training method should be practiced.

Family Life

Are Portuguese Water Dogs Good with Kids? Porties often make fantastic companions for children, though they are a high-energy breed that may knock over small children during play: their size should be considered. Because the Portie is a retrieving breed, expect him to be mouthy—discouraging and redirecting such behaviors from an early age is important.

Are Portuguese Water Dogs Good with Other Pets? Households with other dogs and cats are often suitable for PWDs, but their high energy may not be a match for small dogs or cats unaccustomed to boisterous play. Other small animals aren't recommended to coexist with this breed.

Protective

The loyal Portuguese Water Dog will probably bark to alert you of people approaching, but he is friendly and will likely greet guests with a wagging tail. PWDs are said to have admirable watchdog skills, but do not make good guard dogs.

Energy Levels

A high energy level means the Portuguese Water Dog requires plenty of exercise for health and happiness.

Specific Concerns:

• The Portuguese Water Dog requires an abundance of attention.
• His high energy level calls for plenty of exercise and are happy running or walking.
• He is fond of retrieving and chewing objects, including his dog bed, so a chew-proof dog bed is recommended.
• He can be mouthy.
• Because he is bouncy and enthusiastic, he may knock over children or even adults.
• You must give him a job to do.
• He may become destructive if bored.
• Portuguese Water Dogs are known to 'counter surf.'

Requirements

Indoor

If provided with time outdoors, plenty of mental challenges, and physical activity, Porties make wonderful indoor companions. They may be needy as they bond strongly with their people, so expect a PWD to keep its family within sight at all times. With enough exercise and attention, Porties may be able to adapt to life in an apartment, but they need plenty of time outdoors to exercise.

Outdoor

As a social breed, the Portuguese Water Dog relishes time spent outside with family but does not do well being left alone outdoors. They are known to scale fences and should not be left in a yard alone.

Exercise

At least 40 minutes of exercise—more is better—is recommended per day for the boisterous Portuguese Water Dog. Without enough exercise, the breed may become destructive or disobedient due to boredom.

Endurance

Portuguese Water Dogs were bred for the stamina to work all day. They're not likely to slow down until the job is done. Because the Portie is so driven, it is important to observe for signs that he is overworking himself, as he isn't likely to stop on his own.

Activity distance rating

• Running Miles: Healthy, well-conditioned Portuguese Water Dogs make wonderful running partners and may be able to run more than five miles.
• Hiking Miles: The Portuguese Water Dog is a top pick as a hiking companion. If fully grown, a Portie may be able to hike up to 10 miles.

Food

The Portuguese Water Dog requires two to three cups of high-quality dog food daily, based on average weight and activity level. This amount should be split between two meals, or given in a food-dispensing puzzle toy.

Portuguese Water Dogs do not tend to guard their food more than other breeds, but children should never be allowed to touch or remove food while the PWD or any dog is eating.

Alone Time

Time alone is difficult for the family-loving Portuguese Water Dog. While they may be left alone for four to six hours during the day, this social breed may become destructive if not provided enough attention or exercise. Crate training may be necessary to prevent destructive behaviors.

Health and Grooming

Life Expectancy

11-13 years

Grooming

Brushing weekly and bathing as necessary will help keep the Portie's coat in top condition. Trips to the groomer every four to six weeks is necessary to have the coat clipped. Though the coat sheds minimally and the PWD is considered hypoallergenic, the breed does still shed. Trimming nails regularly will help prevent painful splitting, cracking, or breaking a nail.

Common Health Issues

Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to breed-specific health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
• Eye diseases
• GM1 storage disease
• Addison's disease

You can minimize serious health concerns in a Portuguese Water Dog by purchasing him from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.