Breed Spotlight: Portuguese Water Dog

If you are considering a Portuguese Water Dog, then prepare yourself for constant companionship. This breed needs to be walked, played with, and entertained during their every waking moment. If you work away from home for more than a few hours per day, then this dog is not for you. If you’re unable to get outside with your pup and run her ragged, then this dog is not for you. Consider your lifestyle, and then decide if a Portuguese Water Dog will complement it. Otherwise, look at the more docile breeds.

photo by Sue Richards

A Brief History of the Portuguese Water Dog

As its name suggests, the area of origin of this breed is Portugal. A diligent and alert water dog, its ancestry probably includes the Poodle, which is apparent from its curly-haired appearance. In its native land, the breed is known as “Cao de Agua”, which literally translates into “water dog”. The Portuguese Water Dog comes in two varieties: long-haired and curly-coated.

This breed developed from herding dogs of the central Asian grasslands and is believed to have arrived in Portugal between the fifth and eight centuries. Once established, its usefulness to Portuguese industry as a water dog became quickly apparent. Moreover, the dog’s high energy, intelligence, and work ethic contributed to its immense rise in popularity. Among its many historical jobs, the Portuguese Water Dog served as couriers between boats and the shoreline; with fishermen, the dogs swam out to retrieve nets and other wayward equipment. They even worked alongside trawler crews when fishing the chilly waters of the Arctic Circle. Technological invention has long since replaced many jobs previously bestowed upon the Portuguese Water Dog.

The breed arrived in the United States during the 1950s and gained AKC recognition in 1984.

Temperament, Appearance, & Grooming

Portuguese Water Dogs require constant human contact. This is arguably the most energetic and lively breed alive today. They have an endless amount of energy to swim, run, play, and retrieve. So it’s no surprise that rigorous daily exercise is an absolute must for your Portuguese Water Dog to maintain a balanced, fulfilled life. If kept inside all day while you’re at work, this breed will likely become frustrated and destructive. Portuguese Water Dogs are easy-going and generally get along well with children and other pets. They can tolerate most climates but should live inside with the family since (let’s all say it together!) ongoing human contact is a must with this breed. While most Portuguese Water Dogs have a black coat, some are white or a mix of both. Their hair is curly or wavy and similar to that of the standard poodle. Grooming the Portuguese Water Dog involves a thorough brushing every other day, with professional clipping about once a month.

Hypoallergenic Traits

If an allergy to dogs is a main concern in your household, then this may be the perfect pooch for you. We’ve discussed the concept of hypoallergenic dogs before, and if you can deal with the high-energy demands of this breed, then a Portuguese Water Dog may be the paw-fect pooch for you! Due to their suspected lineage from Poodles, the Portuguese Water Dog has a single coat of hair that does not shed. Depending on the variety you get, the hair may be curly or wavy. In fact, this hair is remarkably similar to that of humans. But remember, your dog may still track allergens from the grass and dog park into your house, so be sure to brush and wash her often to maintain an allergen-free environment.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Portuguese Water Dog is between ten and fourteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a genetic disease in which may cause blindness in both eyes. Other minor health issues may include hair loss, hip displasia, liver disease, Addison’s, distichiasis, and juvenile cardiomyopathy. If you decide to get a Portuguese Water Dog, we suggest getting your pup tested for liver, eye, and hip problems.

Portuguese Water Dog Rescue Groups and Breeders

The Portuguese Water Dog is not bred as often as the other breeds, so you’ll likely have to search for a local rescue group or breeder online until you find the perfect Portuguese pup of your dreams. (Try saying that five times in a row!)  Begin by contacting the Portugese Water Dog Club of America for breeders located near you.  Also, read our guide to finding the best possible breeder.