Dog Breeds - Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members or close acquaintances can vary. Certain breeds may come across as distant towards everyone except their owner, whereas others warmly embrace everyone they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's actions as well as their general amiability towards families should always be taken into consideration. Dogs should be closely monitored when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While it is essential to supervise and regulate dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds naturally possess a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs, whether it be in home settings or in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair shedding varies among different breeds. Breeds that are prone to high shedding will necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher probability of triggering specific types of allergies and may require more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
It's important to consider the grooming needs of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. This requires considering the time, patience and budget you have available for the grooming care it entails. It's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
It's worth considering the drooling tendencies of a breed. If you prefer cleanliness and find it undesirable to have ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, dogs with high drooling tendencies may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Curly, Wavy
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the situation, whereas other breeds are generally more open to meeting new people whenever an opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically exhibits towards play is an important consideration even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy engaging in activities like tug-of-war or playing fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds may be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Some breeds have a natural inclination to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, once a stranger is welcomed into the house and accepted by the family, these breeds are likely to warm up to them.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change is a key factor to consider. This encompasses how well they handle alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations that may occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things vary among breeds. Certain breeds have a natural inclination to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when they please, and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into account. High-energy breeds are always up for the next adventure and are enthusiastic about activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization including barks or howls, can vary among breeds. Some breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or bird they see, while others reserve their barking for specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds can find alternative ways to express themselves through other sounds or vocalizations.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members or close acquaintances can vary. Certain breeds may come across as distant towards everyone except their owner, whereas others warmly embrace everyone they are acquainted with treating them as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's actions as well as their general amiability towards families should always be taken into consideration. Dogs should be closely monitored when in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While it is essential to supervise and regulate dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds naturally possess a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs, whether it be in home settings or in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair shedding varies among different breeds. Breeds that are prone to high shedding will necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher probability of triggering specific types of allergies and may require more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

It's important to consider the grooming needs of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. This requires considering the time, patience and budget you have available for the grooming care it entails. It's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

It's worth considering the drooling tendencies of a breed. If you prefer cleanliness and find it undesirable to have ropes of slobber on your arm or large wet spots on your clothes, dogs with high drooling tendencies may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Curly, Wavy

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcoming behavior a breed typically exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the situation, whereas other breeds are generally more open to meeting new people whenever an opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed typically exhibits towards play is an important consideration even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy engaging in activities like tug-of-war or playing fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, other breeds may be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Some breeds have a natural inclination to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, once a stranger is welcomed into the house and accepted by the family, these breeds are likely to warm up to them.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change is a key factor to consider. This encompasses how well they handle alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations that may occur in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things vary among breeds. Certain breeds have a natural inclination to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when they please, and wherever they please.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed should be taken into account. High-energy breeds are always up for the next adventure and are enthusiastic about activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and content with lounging around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Brown	061
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Portuguese Water Dog is a bright and biddable breed that was originally bred to assist fishermen. They have a sturdy, medium-sized body covered in a coat of tight low-shedding curls. These dogs are known for their eagerness and athleticism making them excellent companions for water-related tasks.

The Portuguese Water Dog is highly intelligent and trainable displaying a strong desire to please their owners. This biddability makes them easy to train and responsive to commands. The breed's coat can be groomed in two styles, the retriever clip which involves clipping the entire coat to one inch in length with the tail tip left longer or the lion clip, which leaves hair on the hindquarters while the muzzle is clipped close to the skin for a distinctive look. Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog is a versatile and trainable breed that thrives in an active and engaging environment.

What to Expect When Caring for A PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Portuguese Water Dog: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Portuguese Water Dogs are known to be generally healthy and reputable breeders take measures to ensure the health of their stock. This includes regularly testing for common health disorders and maintaining open communication with other dedicated breeders to work together for the health and preservation of the breed's unique qualities. Regular ear checks are important for Portuguese Water Dogs to detect any signs of infection or other issues. Additionally, their teeth should be brushed frequently using toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs to maintain good oral hygiene. By staying proactive about health care, including regular check-ups with a veterinarian responsible owner can help ensure that their Portuguese Water Dog remains in good health for a fulfilling and happy life. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation GM1 Gangliosidosis (Portuguese Water Dog) - DNA Test Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test Microphthalmia Syndrome (MO) - DNA Test Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) - DNA Test Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA) - DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Portuguese Water Dog is indeed known for its dense profuse coat, which is considered to be hypoallergenic. However, this coat type requires regular and thorough grooming to keep it well-maintained. The appearance of the coat can range from tight and curly to lose and wavy, offering some variation among individuals. To manage the Portuguese Water Dog's coat, it can be styled in different ways. The lion clip involves clipping the hair on the hindquarters and muzzle down to the skin creating a distinct look. On the other hand, the retriever clip entails clipping the entire coat to a uniform length of one inch following the outline of the dog's body. In addition to regular weekly grooming, occasional baths are necessary to keep the Portuguese Water Dog clean and looking its best. This breed's coat grooming is a substantial commitment that prospective owners should be prepared for in order to maintain the coat's health and appearance.

Exercise

	The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic and active breed, which means they require daily vigorous exercise to ensure their well-being and happiness. Long walks and play sessions with their owners are essential to meeting their exercise needs. Apart from physical exercise, this versatile breed can also benefit from engaging in various canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally and dock diving. These activities not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate their minds keeping them mentally sharp and fulfilled. Water work is especially noteworthy for the Portuguese Water Dog as it is a breed that excels in aquatic activities. Their natural affinity for the water makes swimming retrieving objects from the water and other water-related exercises particularly enjoyable for them. Participating in water work can be an exceptional and rewarding experience for both the dog and their owner.

Training

	The Portuguese Water Dog showcases exceptional intellect and remarkably responds to obedience training. It craves attention and human interaction, enthusiastically greeting friends and family. This breed often exhibits independent thinking and might occasionally question its owner's authority. For optimal results, positive training methods and daily mental as well as physical exercise are indispensably required. In some cases, Porties' exuberance may not suit families with very young children.

Nutrition

	The Portuguese Water Dog is likely to thrive when fed a high-quality diet, whether it is commercially produced or prepared at home under the guidance and approval of your veterinarian. It is essential to choose a diet that suits your dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs have a tendency to gain excess weight, so it's crucial to monitor their calorie intake and keep an eye on their weight. While treats can be helpful for training purposes, it's important not to overindulge your dog, as excessive treats could lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with the human foods that are safe for dogs and those that are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, it's always advisable to consult your veterinarian. Remember to provide your dog with clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

In the past, the Portuguese Water Dog inhabited the entire coastline of Portugal and played a crucial role in various tasks. These dogs were skilled at herding fish into nets, retrieving lost fishing gear and even serving as messengers between ships and the shore. The hardworking and seaworthy nature of these dogs made them indispensable to fishermen. They accompanied sailors on trawlers traveling from the temperate Atlantic waters of Portugal to the icy cold waters near the coast of Iceland. As technology advanced, the need for their services diminished but Portuguese Water Dogs are still valued today for their abilities in water rescues.