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.
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
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
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Portuguese Water Dog
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: 90 minutes or more daily; swimming is ideal. Excels at water work, agility and obedience. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, GM1 storage disease (tested), Addison's disease), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Portuguese Water Dog - Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice