Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed with a long and storied history along the coast of Portugal, possibly dating back to before Roman times. These robust and intelligent dogs were indispensable companions and working partners to Portuguese fishermen for centuries. Their primary role was to assist with all aspects of fishing: they would herd schools of fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets from the water, dive for fish, and even act as couriers, carrying messages between ships or from ship to shore.

Their thick, waterproof coat protected them from the cold Atlantic waters, and their webbed feet made them powerful swimmers. The breed was so integral to the fishing communities that they were considered part of the crew. As fishing methods modernized in the early 20th century, the need for these working dogs declined, and the breed’s numbers dwindled significantly, nearly facing extinction. Dr. Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese shipping magnate, became instrumental in saving the breed in the 1930s by gathering remaining specimens and establishing a breeding program. Portuguese Water Dogs were later introduced to the United States, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1983. They are valued today as active companions and excel in various canine sports.

The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its intelligent, energetic, and spirited temperament. They are typically very affectionate and form strong, loyal bonds with their families, thriving on human companionship and interaction. PWDs are often described as having a humorous and playful nature, retaining a youthful zest for life. They are alert and observant, making them good watchdogs that will readily bark to announce visitors or anything unusual.

Their intelligence is high, but it’s often paired with a strong will and an independent streak, which can sometimes make training a challenge if not approached with consistency and positive motivation. They are generally good with children if raised with them and can get along with other dogs and pets with proper socialization. PWDs are active dogs that need an outlet for their energy and intelligence; a bored PWD can become mischievous or destructive. They love to be involved in whatever their family is doing and excel when they have a “job” or task to perform.

The Portuguese Water Dog has a distinctive thick, single-layered coat (no undercoat) that is waterproof and comes in two varieties: curly (compact, cylindrical curls) or wavy (looser waves with a slight sheen). This unique coat is considered low-shedding or non-shedding by many, making it a popular choice for some allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. However, their coat requires regular and diligent grooming to prevent matting and keep it healthy.

Regular brushing, several times a week, with a slicker brush and a sturdy comb is essential to prevent tangles and mats from forming, especially in the curly-coated variety. The coat grows continuously and needs to be clipped regularly (every 4-8 weeks) by a professional groomer or a skilled owner to maintain a manageable length. Two traditional clips are the “lion clip” (hindquarters and muzzle clipped short, with a mane and tail plume) and the more practical “retriever clip” (coat clipped evenly to about one inch all over the body). Regular nail trims, ear cleaning (as their drop ears can trap moisture), and dental care are also crucial grooming tasks.

Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, athletic, and intelligent dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise to maintain their physical fitness and mental well-being. They were bred for demanding work in and around water and possess considerable stamina. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle.

Aim for at least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day. True to their name, most PWDs absolutely love swimming, and it’s an excellent form of exercise for them. Other good exercise options include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned).
• Retrieving games with balls or water toys, which cater to their natural instincts.
• Off-leash play in a large, securely fenced area.
• Canine sports such as dock diving (they excel at this!), agility, obedience, rally, or tracking.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and intelligence, Portuguese Water Dogs can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as destructiveness or excessive barking. They thrive in active homes where they can be a regular participant in their family’s outdoor adventures, especially those involving water.

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness. DNA testing is available.
• Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM): A serious, inherited heart condition that affects young PWDs, often leading to sudden death. DNA testing is crucial for breeding stock.
• GM1 Gangliosidosis (Storage Disease):** A fatal, inherited metabolic disorder. DNA testing is available.
• Improper Coat (IC):** A genetic condition affecting coat texture, resulting in a coat that is not waterproof and may shed more. DNA testing is available.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.
• Addison’s Disease:** A disorder of the adrenal glands.