Portuguese Water Dog
Pet Photos
Register for a free My Pets account to feature you pet’s picture here!
- Dog Breed Group
- Working Dogs
- Origin of Breed
- Portugal
- Life Expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Color
- White, Brown, Black,Brown/White, Black/White
- Coat
- Profuse and thick except under forelegs and thighs
- Exercise Needs
- They need ample exercise which should consist of free exercise, daily walks or swimming.
- Temperament
- This breed can have guard dog tendencies. To discourage this tendency training must be started at an early age (ten weeks). An a
- Good with Children
- Good with children if raised with them and if the children are taught how to treat a dog.
- Grooming Needs
- Regular brushing and combing of his coat. Weekly cleaning of his ears, especially after swimming.
- Average Size - Male (in)
- 20 - 23
- Average Size - Female (in)
- 17 - 21
- Average Weight - Male (lbs)
- 42 - 60
- Average Weight - Female (lbs)
- 35 - 50
- Health Issues
- Progressive retinal atrophy, storage disease, hip dysplasia and skin condition.v
- Living Conditions
- A home with a fenced yard as he is an active dog. The owner of a Portuguese Water Dog needs to take time to exercise, socialize
Breed Description
Once a familiar sight throughout fishing ports of the Iberian Peninsula, and is still commonly found in the Algarve region of Portugal. This breed is a fisherman's dog, a fine swimmer with great endurance undertaking a wide variety of tasks. It will guard the catch, swim between boats and dive and retrieve fish or objects lost overboard.