Breed Description

The medium-sized Portuguese Water Dog has a sturdy and robust build. This compact and rectangular breed shows an alert appearance, with a floppy ear and a distinctive curly coat. This breed typically weighs around 35-55 pounds, and 17-22.5 inches tall.

Coat

With very thick coat, the Portuguese Water Dog has two types of coats: the wavy, and the curly. The wavy variation is longer, with a little weight, and a bit of sheen. The curly type lacks luster, and is dense with a circular curls. The coat of this breed is abundant, except the groin and underarms where it is usually thinner. Their coats come in black, brown or white, various shades of brown, black and white, or brown and white.

Activity

The Portuguese Water Dog requires to be exercised daily to remain happy and healthy. These dogs have limitless energy, and will love to play. Walking and playing are two great ways to exercise this active breed. They can also be brought to the beach, and this breed's favorite is retrieving a stick or a ball from the water.

Temperament

The Portuguese Water Dog is an extremely intelligent, active, and loyal breed. They are suited for patient, firm, and consistent dog owners. While generally obedient, if this breed feels smarter than the submissive dog owner, he will try to take charge. These dogs are great with children and at their happiest when around family.

Overview

The Portuguese Water Dog makes great fisherman's companion since these dogs were trained to guard, dive, tackle, act as courier between ships, and retrieve fish.

Care

The Portuguese Water Dog requires relatively minimal grooming. These dogs require brushing twice in a week. The ears of this breed should be cleansed and completely dried especially after swimming to avoid ear infection. Clipping and scissoring is also a good idea for this breed. This minimal shedder is ideal for those with allergy if properly groomed.

Training

Although the Portuguese Water Dogs are generally friendly and secure, they tend to be stubborn and willful at times. These dogs are therefore appropriate for those owners with previous experience to dog ownership. They need a handler who knows how to be firm, consistent yet still maintains to be gentle. To prevent destructive behavior with this breed, it is important that they are given a great deal of exercise before starting the training session. As with other breed of dogs, harsh and heavy-handed training methods are counterproductive. Socialization is crucial for this breed as well. If not used as a guard dog, they should get used to being around people to avoid an aloof dog.

Character

The intelligent and active Portuguese Water Dog requires time and dedication to be a great family pet. Given a lot of training and exercise, this breed will truly be a life-long dedicated household pet.