Dog breed · Working
Portuguese Water Dog
A fisherman's working partner that herded fish into nets and carried messages between boats. An energetic, trainable water dog that needs a job.
Medium11–14 yearsPortugalNeeds more space
Representative breed photography. Appearance varies within every breed.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Portugal
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 16–27 kg
- Height
- 43–57 cm
- Lifespan
- 11–14 years
- Coat
- Single coat of tight curls or loose waves; non-shedding
- Temperament
- AthleticBrightBiddableClownish
History
Worked along the Portuguese coast for centuries; nearly extinct by the 1930s before a breeding programme revived it.
Appearance
Robust, medium dog in black, brown or white, in curly or wavy coat; traditionally clipped in a lion or retriever clip.
Exercise and activity
90 minutes or more daily; swimming is ideal. Excels at water work, agility and obedience.
Care and grooming
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks plus weekly brushing; a low-shedding but high-maintenance coat.
Health considerations
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- GM1 storage disease (tested)
- Addison's disease