The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog, was created in Portugal to aid fishermen in their daily activities. Today, this water dog is used mainly as a companion dog.
History: The Portuguese water dog traces its ancestry to the Portuguese province of Algarve. There is some speculation that the poodle played some part in its development. Portuguese Water Dogs (Porties) were originally used by fishermen. They were used to send messages between boats, to retrieve fish and articles from the water, and to guard the fishing boats. The breed suffered and almost disappeared when there was a change in fishing practices in the 20 th century. The dog was saved primarily by Vasco Bensuade. Through his efforts, a breed club was begun anew and a breed standard was established. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed in 1972 and the breed was accepted for AKC registration in the early 1980’s.
Appearance: The Portuguese Water Dog is a hardy, muscular, medium-sized dog. The skull of this water dog is broad with far set, dark eyes and medium length, heart shaped ears. They have a very broad nose with open nostrils and thick lips. The neck is straight, short, round, and held high. Two coats allowed: curly and wavy. Undercoat is not present in either variety. Wavy coats are fairly long with a slight sheen. The hair in curly coats forms compact cylindrical curls that are somewhat lusterless. The hair on the ears has less curl than elsewhere on the body. The breed comes in black, white, various shades of brown, white with dark spots, or dark shades of black or brown with white markings or even in silver or gray.
Size: Height: dogs - 20-22 inches (50-57 cm); bitches 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)
Weight: dogs - 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg); bitches 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)
Temperament: The Portuguese Water Dog is a water-loving, lively but sensible, and loyal dog. This intelligent breed is very obedient and enjoys work and play with the same enthusiasm. He can be somewhat protective making him a great candidate for watch-dogging, although he should not display any aggressive tendencies. This breed can do well around children, however can be protective and somewhat combative around other dogs so early socialization again is necessary if this dog is to live in peace with another. Brave, highly intelligent and trainable; keen to work and quick to learn and understand instructions. Training these dogs is not difficult if you understand the dog’s character.
Health: Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA. Breeding stock should be tested for GM-1 Storage Disease, a fatal nerve disease that appears when a puppy is six months old.
Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years
Grooming: The Portuguese Water Dog does not shed and requires brushing ever other day in addition to monthly clipping. Its ears need special attention, especially after it goes swimming.
Puppy price: $1.000.00 - $2.000.00