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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
Other Names
What other names does the Portuguese Water Dog have?
Cao De AguaPortieWater Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Portuguese Water Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Portuguese Water Dog get?

What is the average size of a Portuguese Water Dog?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Portuguese Water Dog weigh? How much should a Portuguese Water Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Portuguese Water Dog? How much does a full-grown Portuguese Water Dog weight?
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
How much does the Portuguese Water Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Portuguese Water Dog in the United States? How much money is a Portuguese Water Dog?

Where to buy a Portuguese Water Dog with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Portuguese Water Dog? Is the Portuguese Water Dog breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Portuguese Water Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Portuguese Water Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Cao De Agua bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Portuguese Water Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Portuguese Water Dog in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Portuguese Water Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Portuguese Water Dog alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Portuguese Water Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Portuguese Water Dog? How much bite force does a Portuguese Water Dog have? How strong is a Portuguese Water Dog bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Portuguese Water Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Cao De Agua? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Portuguese Water Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Portuguese Water Dog do?
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.

Portuguese Water Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Portuguese Water Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Portuguese Water Dog see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Portuguese Water Dog dogs live? How old can a Portuguese Water Dog be? What is the age limit of the Portuguese Water Dog? How many years can the oldest Portuguese Water Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog?

10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Portuguese Water Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Portuguese Water Dog have? What is the activity level of the Portuguese Water Dog?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Portuguese Water Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Portuguese Water Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Portuguese Water Dog? How much food should I feed my Portuguese Water Dog?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Portuguese Water Dog risk for obesity:
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.

Portuguese Water Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Portuguese Water Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Curly
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Portuguese Water Dog coats?
Black White Brown
Grooming
How to groom the Portuguese Water Dog and how often? How often should I take my Portuguese Water Dog to the groomer?
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.

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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Portuguese Water Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Portuguese Water Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Portuguese Water Dog every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Portuguese Water Dog breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Portuguese Water Dog drool?
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.

Portuguese Water Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Portuguese Water Dog temperament with children:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Portuguese Water Dog be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Portuguese Water Dog be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Portuguese Water Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Portuguese Water Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Portuguese Water Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Portuguese Water Dog breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Portuguese Water Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Portuguese Water Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Portuguese Water Dog have? How many puppies can a Portuguese Water Dog give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Portuguese Water Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Portuguese Water Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Portuguese Water Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Portuguese Water Dog breed?
American Kennel ClubCanadian Kennel ClubFederation Cynologique InternationaleAustralian National Kennel CouncilNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubThe Kennel Club

Portuguese Water Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Portuguese Water Dog dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: 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: The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Watchdog Ability: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: 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.
  • Boat and Sailor Dog: 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
  • Mouthiness: Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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