Long and wavy Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has is very fun loving and enjoys the company of others. He can be somewhat protective making him a great candidate for watch dogging, although he should not display any aggressive tendencies. This breed can do well around children, however can be protective and somewhat combative around other dogs so early socialization again is necessary if this dog is to live in peace with another. The Portuguese Water Dog should not be trusted around smaller and more passive animals.

In ancient times, the Portuguese Water Dog could be found throughout the entire Portuguese coast. Thereafter, due to continuous changes in fishing methods, the breed was located mainly in the Algarve region which is now considered as its original birthplace. Its presence on the Portuguese coast is probably very remote and thus the Portuguese Water Dog should be considered as an autochthonous Portuguese breed.

This active breed needs daily physical and mental exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Otherwise, he needs a long walk or jog or a vigorous romp. He is happiest living close to his family. His coat needs combing every other day, plus monthly clipping or scissoring.

The Portuguese Water Dog does well in a family environment and can be very active both indoors and out. This breed does best with at least an average sized yard, but if given the proper amount of exercise, he can do well without one. Portuguese Water Dogs love to jog and would make a wonderful companion for the outdoors type.

Exercise, grooming and training.

Regular combing and brushing this breed is necessary. This breed has a very thick and close-knit coat which can easily get tangled or matted, so daily combing should be provided. Bathe only when necessary. Brushing with a wire brush or a fine-toothed comb would work best. Checking for burrs in the coat should be performed if this dog is to have free roam in a fenced yard.

The fur of these dogs must be brushed and combed regularly. The variety with long and curly hair is usually cut on the back legs (work haircut) in for swimming easier.

Portuguese Water Dogs love to swim. Some are chewers. Breeding stock should be tested for GM-1 storage disease, a fatal nerve disease that appears when a puppy is 6 months old. Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA. Buy only from OFA and CERF cert