Portugese Water Dog

Photo with thanks to Karen,www.sunnybank-nc.com.

Portugese Water Dog Breeders & Puppies For Sale If your a Portugese Water Dog breeder and have Portugese Water Dog puppies for sale, send us your details for free and we will add to our Portugese Water Dog Breeders page.

Portugese Water Dog Rescue Center Visit the Portugese Water Dog rescue centers if your looking to rescue a Portugese Water Dog , as well as learn more about the breed or just support the rescue centers for there hard work.

Group Working Dogs (KC)

Origin / History The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed originating from Portugal. It is known in its home country as the Cao de Agua or “Dog of the Water,” a name well-deserved for the dog’s remarkable agility in the water. Portuguese fishermen used them to retrieve things from the water, herd fish into nets, and even as message couriers between ships. As with many other breeds, its origins are still under debate, although there is some proof that it came from the same gene pool as the poodle.

In the early 1930s, technology replaced most of the dog’s functions on board, and the breed neared extinction—at one point there were only 25 of them in existence. Dr. Vasco Bensuade, a wealthy businessman, took interest in the breed and started a breeding program to revive it. In 1958 the first pair was shipped to the United States, and by the 1980s it was accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club.

Appearance The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its long, thick single coat, which varies from slightly wavy to tightly curled. The coat covers the entire body, but is sometimes shaved at the face and rear. The ears are heart-shaped, well-feathered and hanging straight down. The tail is tapered, but hair may be allowed to grow thick at the tip.

Colours The coat can be black, white, and most shades of brown. Solid colors are most common, but a combination of white and either black or brown is acceptable.

Temperament Portuguese Water Dogs are active and lively, very loyal to their owners and an excellent companion for children. They are always looking for something to do or play with, and will often try to grab attention by barking or being overactive. They can be rather aggressive toward other pets, particularly cats, so they get used to having them around at an early age.

Height and Weight Males should be 20 to 23 inches tall and females 17 to 21 inches.

Common Health Problems Some bloodlines are known to carry hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a birth defect that can lead to blindness. There is also a risk of GM-1 Storage Disease, a potentially fatal disorder that affects the nerves and appears about six months after birth.

Living Conditions Portuguese Water Dogs can be active indoors, so they’re best for owners who have at least a small yard. However, they can get used to apartment life as long as they get enough exercise and are taken outdoors from time to time. In the summer, they can spend long hours outdoors, although most dogs prefer staying in the house with their family.

Exercise Requirements This is a fairly active breed that needs a lot of exercise and play. A brisk walk or jog every day is recommended, as well as playing catch and other vigorous games. They make great running companions and can go for miles without tiring out. Their favorite exercise, however, is swimming: they’ll happily dive into a lake or pool to retrieve toys or simply swim around.

Training Requirements Portuguese Water Dogs are easy to train, but it’s important to understand each dog’s character before training. They are highly sensitive to vocal commands—raise your voice slightly and it’ll feel sad for the rest of the day. Training should be gentle but consistent. Try alternating training sessions with play to make it less stressful.

Life Expectancy This breed lives an average of 10 to 14 years.

Grooming Portuguese Water Dogs need regular combing and brushing, as the long coat can easily mat and tangle. The hair is slow-growing and sheds very little, but a professional trim every two months is recommended. Baths should be given as needed, preferable with a gentle dry shampoo to protect the coat’s shine. Wavy coats are easier to care for than the tightly curled type.

Famous Examples April 2009 new President Barrack Obama made good on a promise he made to his daughters that they could have a new dog once the presidential campaign was over. The dog has been named Bo.

CompleteDogsGuide Comment

Breeders Comments: Send us yours comments, advice for owners, potential owners etc.

Owners Comments: Send us any of your comments. Thanks in advance.

More Portugese Water Dog Information: Check out our Portugese Water Dog Clubs and links to more informative websites dedicated to the breed.

Submit your Portugese Water Dog pictures Send us any pics of your Portugese Water Dog , let us know there name and age and any other details. We'll add to this page. Contact us

Portugese Water Dog
Photos with thanks to Karen,www.sunnybank-nc.com.