Portuguese Water Dog

Oct 03, 2024

Introduction to the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água Português) is an ancient breed of dog that was originally found along the coasts of Portugal. These intelligent and energetic dogs were used to help fishermen by retrieving nets, catching fish and delivering messages between boats. Their excellent swimming abilities and strong work ethic made them irreplaceable companions on the water. Today, the Portuguese Water Dog is not only a loyal working dog, but also a popular family member and companion dog, who impresses with his friendliness, intelligence and adaptability.

Appearance of the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a strong, athletic build that is perfectly suited to its original work in the water. Its head is broad, with a well-defined stop, and its eyes are dark and expressive. The drooping ears lie close to the head and emphasise its attentive and friendly expression. Its tail is medium-length and strong, often in motion, especially when the dog is active. The balance between a robust body and elegant, flowing movements is what characterises the Portuguese Water Dog.

Coat and colours of the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It can be either wavy or curly, with both types of coat being water-repellent and protecting the dog well from the elements. The coat requires regular grooming as it tends to become matted if not brushed properly. Coat colours vary and include black, brown and white, as well as various combinations of these colours. Black or brown dogs are particularly common, sometimes with white markings on their chest, paws or tail tip.

How big can a Portuguese Water Dog get?

A fully-grown Portuguese Water Dog reaches a shoulder height of 43 to 57 cm, with males usually being slightly larger than females. Depending on gender and build, their weight ranges from 16 to 27 kg. The size of this dog makes it compact enough to be kept in an apartment, but still strong and large enough to be able to work actively outdoors.

The character of the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its intelligence, eagerness to work and devotion to its people. It is an extremely active dog that needs both mental and physical challenges to stay happy and balanced. Its loyalty and need for closeness to its family make it a loving companion that likes to be the centre of attention. They are curious, playful and often have a great sense of humour. Their natural alertness and courage also make them excellent guard dogs, without being overly aggressive.

Training the Portuguese Water Dog

Thanks to their high level of intelligence, Portuguese Water Dogs learn quickly, which makes training both enriching and challenging. They need consistent but loving guidance, as they can easily get bored and then try to get their own way. Positive reinforcement, varied training sessions and patience are the key to successful training. It is important to set clear boundaries from the outset, otherwise they may tend to overdo their independence. Early socialisation is also important to ensure that they get along well with other dogs and people.

Who is the Portuguese Water Dog suitable for?

The Portuguese Water Dog is excellent for active people and families who spend a lot of time outdoors and are looking for a companion to take part in their activities. Due to its intelligence and willingness to work, it is a good match for dog owners who like to train with their dog, do dog sports or want to challenge it mentally. However, people who leave them alone or cannot provide enough exercise are less suitable, as the dog can quickly develop unwanted behaviours when neglected.

Is the Portuguese Water Dog a family dog?

Yes, the Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent family dog. It is friendly, playful and gets along well with children. Its gentle yet lively nature makes it a good companion for family members of all ages. However, young children should learn how to interact respectfully with the dog, as it can sometimes be a bit boisterous due to its energy. Its loyalty will quickly make it a cherished member of the family, forming strong bonds with its humans.

Grooming the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog requires regular attention, especially to its coat. To avoid tangles, its fur should be brushed at least two to three times a week. Many owners also choose to have their dog professionally trimmed regularly, as its fur grows relatively quickly. Its ears also need to be kept clean to prevent infections, as its droopy ears are prone to moisture and dirt. Regular teeth cleaning and trimming of the claws are also part of the grooming routine.

Nutrition of the Portuguese Water Dog

The nutrition of a Portuguese Water Dog should be balanced and of high quality to support its health and energy levels. A combination of high-quality dry food, wet food or homemade meals can be suitable, as long as the food contains all the necessary nutrients. Since the dog is very active, the amount of food should be tailored to its size, age and activity level. It is also important to make sure that the dog is not overfed, as it can tend to be overweight if it does not get enough exercise.

How much does a Portuguese Water Dog shed?

The Portuguese Water Dog is known to shed little to no hair, which makes it particularly attractive for people with allergies. This is because their fur grows continuously and does not fall out seasonally. However, this also means that their fur needs more maintenance to prevent it from matting. Despite the low shedding, it is important to brush and groom the dog regularly.

How old does a Portuguese Water Dog get?

A Portuguese Water Dog has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. With good care, proper nutrition and sufficient exercise, many dogs of this breed can live a healthy and long life.

Typical diseases of the Portuguese Water Dog

As with many dog breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog is also genetically predisposed to certain diseases. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an eye disease that can lead to blindness, and certain heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Reputable breeders test their breeding animals for these diseases in order to minimise the risk for the offspring.

How much does a Portuguese Water Dog puppy cost?

The price of a Portuguese Water Dog puppy ranges from CHF 1500.00 to CHF 3000.00 depending on the origin and the breeder. It is important that potential buyers look for reputable breeders who value the health of the parent animals and the proper socialisation of the puppies.

What should you watch out for when buying a Portuguese Water Dog?

When buying a Portuguese Water Dog puppy, you should choose a reputable breeder who has had the parent animals tested for hereditary diseases. The breeder should be transparent about the breeding history and health of the puppies and be willing to show the puppies in their environment. A good breeder ensures that the puppies are well socialised and have a healthy start in life.