Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog breed known for its love of water and swimming. Originally bred as a fisherman’s helper, this breed has a thick, curly coat that is hypoallergenic and requires regular grooming.

Character

Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, loyal, and energetic. They are friendly and love spending time with their families, and enjoy playing in the water. This breed is highly trainable and loves learning new things, making them a great choice for families who enjoy spending time with their dog and are willing to provide plenty of exercise and training.

Body

The Portuguese Water Dog has a medium-sized, muscular body covered in a thick, curly coat. They stand between 17 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. Their coat comes in black, brown, white, or a combination of these colors. This breed is known for its webbed feet, which help them swim efficiently.

Health

Like all breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Addison’s disease. Regular vet check-ups, exercise, and a healthy diet can help keep this breed healthy.

History

The Portuguese Water Dog has a long history as a working dog in Portugal. They were originally bred to help fishermen with tasks like retrieving nets and messages, and were also used as courier dogs during wartime. The breed nearly went extinct in the 20th century, but was saved by a group of dedicated breeders who worked to increase its numbers.

Related Dog Breeds

• Standard Poodle: Like the Portuguese Water Dog, the Standard Poodle is an intelligent, hypoallergenic breed with a curly coat. Poodles were also used as water retrievers and are known for their elegance and trainability.
• Irish Water Spaniel: Another water-loving breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is known for its curly, waterproof coat and energetic personality. They are smart and trainable, but can be stubborn at times.
• Spanish Water Dog: With a curly, woolly coat and webbed feet, the Spanish Water Dog is another breed that was bred for work on the water. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved with strangers.