Portuguese Water Dog

Country of Origin:

The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal

Height:

Portuguese Water Dog males range from 20 to 22 inches (50-57 cm.), females from 17 to 20 inches (43-52 cm.)

Weight:

Portuguese Water Dog males range from 42 to 55 pounds (19-25 kg.), females from 35 to 49 pounds (16-22 kg.)

Colors:

Portuguese Water Dogs may be black, white or brown, parti-color (white with dark spots), black or brown with white markings, or even silver fox or gray.

Coat:

The Portuguese Water dog is a non-shedder. It has curly or wavy hair that should be brushed or combed regularly.

Temperament:

The Portuguese Water dog is a highly intelligent breed and used to be used primarily in the Portuguese fishing industry to guard boats, carry messages between boats and retrieve anything that fell overboard. This breed gets along well with children and other dogs and is highly intelligent, affectionate and loyal. Portuguese water dogs respond to tone of voice.

Health Concerns:

Susceptible 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:

The Portuguese Water Dog can be expected to live about 10 to 14 years.

Living Environment:

The Portuguese Water Dog can do well in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. In temperate climates Portuguese water Dogs can live outside, they prefer however to be close to their families. This breed loves to retrieve sticks or balls and makes and excellent jogging companion.

AKC Group:

The Portuguese Water Dog is in the Working Group