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Portuguese Water Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Portuguese Water Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank54
Reviews5
User Ratings
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Portuguese Water Dog dog profile picture
OriginPortugal flagPortugal
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Portuguese Water Dog known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Cao De AguaPortieWater Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Portuguese Water Dog? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Portuguese Water Dog? Learn how big the Portuguese Water Dog breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Portuguese Water Dog weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Portuguese Water Dog?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)
Height
How tall is the Portuguese Water Dog? Portuguese Water Dog height:
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Portuguese Water Dog?
Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Portuguese Water Dog puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Portuguese Water Dog costs.
$2500-$2800
If you choose to purchase the Portuguese Water Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Portuguese Water Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Portuguese Water Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Portuguese Water Dog? How many Portuguese Water Dog are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Portuguese Water Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Portuguese Water Dog? Discover the Portuguese Water Dog's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Portuguese Water Dog is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Portuguese Water Dog? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's trainability and response to training methods.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Portuguese Water Dog as a watchdog? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's alertness and guarding instincts.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Portuguese Water Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Portuguese Water Dog protective of its territory? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's guarding instincts and behavior.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Portuguese Water Dog Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Portuguese Water Dog have? Learn about characteristic Portuguese Water Dog temperament and behavior traits.
IntelligentDocileObedientBraveImpetuousQuarrelsome
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Portuguese Water Dog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Portuguese Water Dog a good family dog?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cao De Agua need? Portuguese Water Dog social needs:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Portuguese Water Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Portuguese Water Dog roam?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Portuguese Water Dog have high prey drive?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Portuguese Water Dog Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Portuguese Water Dog bark a lot? Learn about typical Portuguese Water Dog vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Portuguese Water Dog? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Portuguese Water Dog Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Portuguese Water Dog to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's flexibility to new situations.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Portuguese Water Dog be left alone? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's tolerance to solitude.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Portuguese Water Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Portuguese Water Dog biting potential? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Portuguese Water Dog mouthy? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's tendency to use mouth during play.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Portuguese Water Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Portuguese Water Dog bite? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Portuguese Water Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Portuguese Water Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Portuguese Water Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Portuguese Water Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Portuguese Water Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Portuguese Water Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Portuguese Water Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Portuguese Water Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Portuguese Water Dog Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Portuguese Water Dog live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Portuguese Water Dog handle different weather? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Portuguese Water Dog? Discover typical conditions affecting the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Portuguese Water Dog need vet visits? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Portuguese Water Dog breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Portuguese Water Dog breed? Most common health risks of Portuguese Water Dog:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EntropionEctropionDistichiasisPersistent Pupillary MembranesAddison's DiseaseMegaesophagusIrritable Bowel Disease (ibd)Abnormally Small EyesGM-1 Storage DiseaseJuvenile Dilated CardiomyopathyGastrointestinal DiseasesColitisHemorrhagic GastroenteritisLymphangiectasia

Portuguese Water Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Portuguese Water Dog? Understand daily activity needs of the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need? How much exercise do Portuguese Water Dog dogs require per day?

Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Portuguese Water Dog breed need?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Portuguese Water Dog Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Portuguese Water Dog prone to weight gain? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's obesity risks.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Portuguese Water Dog weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Portuguese Water Dog need daily? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's feeding requirements.
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Portuguese Water Dog Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Portuguese Water Dog hypoallergenic? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's suitability for allergy sufferers.
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Portuguese Water Dog come in? Discover all possible Portuguese Water Dog color variations.
Black White Brown
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Portuguese Water Dog need? Learn about Portuguese Water Dog coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Portuguese Water Dog, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Portuguese Water Dog drool a lot? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's drooling habits.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Portuguese Water Dog could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Portuguese Water Dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Portuguese Water Dog smell bad? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's natural odor levels.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Portuguese Water Dog have? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's fur characteristics.
Curly
Bathing Needs
How often does a Portuguese Water Dog need baths? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cao De Agua? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed a lot?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Portuguese Water Dog dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Portuguese Water Dog Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good with children? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's behavior around kids of different ages.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Portuguese Water Dog get along with other pets? Discover the Portuguese Water Dog's compatibility with other animals.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Portuguese Water Dog temperament with other people:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Portuguese Water Dog breed live with a cat?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Portuguese Water Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Portuguese Water Dog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Portuguese Water Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Portuguese Water Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs good office canines? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cao De Agua temperament with senior people? Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Portuguese Water Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Portuguese Water Dog be a service dog? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Portuguese Water Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Portuguese Water Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good at detection work? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Portuguese Water Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Portuguese Water Dog do search and rescue? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Portuguese Water Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good on boats? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's maritime capabilities.

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Portuguese Water Dog pull carts? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Portuguese Water Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Portuguese Water Dog used in military service? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Portuguese Water Dog Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Portuguese Water Dog usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Portuguese Water Dog pregnant? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Portuguese Water Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Portuguese Water Dog have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Portuguese Water Dog Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Portuguese Water Dog in? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Portuguese Water Dog in? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Portuguese Water Dog? Learn about the Portuguese Water Dog's official recognition.
American Kennel ClubCanadian Kennel ClubFederation Cynologique InternationaleAustralian National Kennel CouncilNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubThe Kennel Club

Portuguese Water Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Portuguese Water Dog dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
  • Shedding Level: Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Watchdog Rating: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Maritime Work Ability: Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.

    Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

    Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.

Cons
  • Mouthing Tendency: Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Portuguese Water Dog History

History of the Portuguese Water Dog

As the name says, the Portuguese Water Dog – also known as Cao de Aqua (dog of the water) – is originated in Portugal. Once these dogs lived all along the Portuguese coast and helped the fishermen to drive fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and before the invention of the radio they were also used as messengers, delivering messages from one boat to another. Fishermen needed a breed that was strong, hardworking, and seaworthy and was able to swim in the ice-cold of the ocean, even near the coast of Iceland.

This breed is likely to share ancestors with the Poodle, which is not so difficult to believe if we take a closer look at them. The size of their body and their curly or sometimes wavy coat is clearly like what the Poodle has. But their history is quite different than the history of the Poodle. The very first record of this breed is from 1297 and it is written by a monk, who witnessed a dog rescue a sailor from the sea near the Portuguese coast. According to him, the dog had a “black coat of rough hair, cut to the first rib and with a tuft on the tip of his tail”. This breed also had difficulties throughout the centuries, at the beginning of the 20th century, as fishing became more and more modernized, it was on the verge of extinction and almost disappeared. Luckily, a savior arrived in the 30s, known as Vasco Bensaude, and started to use the Portuguese Water Dogs in his breeding program to re-establish the breed. His most famous dog was called Leão, and he was bred to so many different females that about half of the pedigreed Portuguese Water Dogs now living are considered to be the descendant of him.

In 1972 the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed which help the rise of this breed. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 and it is its 128th breed. Nowadays these dogs became very famous by showing their skills in performance events as well as in water and even former president Barack Obama and his family had two of the Portuguese Water Dogs called Sunny and Bo.

Rate The Portuguese Water Dog Breed

Portuguese Water Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Lynne

    Feb 6, 2021, 7:07:28 PM:

    Our first PWD is a black curly boy. He is the best dog ever! He’s gentle, affectionate, and loyal. We love him so much we got a second PWD (brown, wavy). This one is different from the first. This one is vocal and high energy.

  • Roisin

    May 25, 2020, 8:44:22 PM:

    Best decision ever (1st dog!)! Pango, my 10mth old PWD is wonderful! Smart & was/ is easy to train. Can’t imagine life without him. He loves everyone, particularly children & other dogs. If you love walks, fun & cuddles, then this is the dog for you!

  • Amanda

    May 14, 2020, 6:04:58 PM:

    A great dog and is very soft. doesn't shed at all! It helped my son get over his internet addiction and he now only plays on weekends 30 minutes. He doesn't want to play more then that!

  • Anna

    May 14, 2020, 5:50:47 PM:

    Very loving and smart! Needs a lot of exercises and loves to play with other dogs.

  • Miguel Ferreira

    May 27, 2019, 11:15:14 PM:

    The best breed in the world