Everything You Need to Know About the Portuguese Water Dog

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

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Portuguese Water Dogs, or Porties, are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strong work ethic. Thought to be related to the Poodle, these dogs thrive in a family environment and love being surrounded by their people. Despite their active nature, they prefer spending time indoors with their family, although they do require daily exercise. Porties are versatile and enjoy various activities, but their true passion is swimming, which makes sense given their webbed feet designed for the water.

Appearance

Portuguese Water Dogs are medium to large-sized, with females reaching up to 21 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. Males are a bit larger, standing up to 23 inches tall and weighing as much as 60 pounds. Their coats are one of their most defining features, with black being the most common color. Some Porties have brown coats, with or without white patches, and occasionally, you might spot one with a rare white coat. Their coats can be either curly or wavy, adding to their unique charm.

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Breed History

Porties have an interesting history that traces back to their role as helpers for fishermen. These dogs were bred to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost gear, and swim between boats. While they were once popular along the coastlines from Portugal to Newfoundland, the breed nearly vanished in the early 20th century. Thankfully, a dedicated dog lover stepped in to revive the breed, which later made its way to the United States and England. In 1983, the American Kennel Club officially recognized Portuguese Water Dogs as a distinct breed.

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Personality

Porties are known for their lively, playful, and intelligent nature. Their personalities can vary, but they are generally fun-loving and eager to please. These dogs are not only loyal but also quick learners, making them easy to train for a variety of tasks. Their affection and enthusiasm truly embody the idea of a dog being "man's best friend." They’re always ready to play and make their owners laugh with their playful antics.

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Grooming

Although their coats can be either curly or wavy, Portuguese Water Dogs always have a single-layer coat, which means they don’t shed as much as many other breeds. However, they are not hypoallergenic, as they do shed a small amount of fur and dander. Popular grooming styles include the lion clip, where the body hair is clipped short while the face and tail are left fuller, giving them a lion-like appearance. The retriever cut is another common style, where the entire coat is clipped to about an inch long. Their coats should be brushed at least twice a week and clipped once a month to keep them looking their best.

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Care

Porties love water and will happily dive in whenever they get the chance. After a swim, it’s important to rinse their coats with fresh water to remove any residue that could cause irritation. Drying their ears is also crucial to prevent infections. When it comes to training, positive reinforcement works wonders. Porties are highly intelligent and get bored easily, so training sessions should be fun and rewarding. Repetition without incentives might not hold their attention for long, so it’s good to mix things up.

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Activity

Despite their love for outdoor activities, Portuguese Water Dogs prefer to be inside with their families. They thrive in environments where they can run and play in a secure, fenced-in yard, but they don’t like being left outside alone for long periods. These dogs need about an hour of exercise each day to stay healthy and happy. Swimming is, of course, an excellent choice, but they also enjoy long walks and games of fetch. With enough daily exercise, they can even adapt well to apartment living.

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Health

When looking for a Portuguese Water Dog, it’s important to find a reputable breeder who provides health clearances for the puppy’s parents. Health checks should include evaluations for hip dysplasia and eye health, as these dogs can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential issue is storage disease, a rare metabolic disorder that can be detected with DNA testing. It’s best to choose a breeder who only breeds dogs older than two years to minimize the risk of unknown health problems appearing later.

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As a Pet

Portuguese Water Dogs are wonderful family pets and do well with children. However, their playful and sometimes boisterous nature can be overwhelming for small kids, so supervision is a must. These dogs are great jogging or walking partners and are always up for a swim. One thing to remember is that Porties love to chew, so keeping valuable items out of reach is essential to avoid any accidental damage.

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Other Pets

Porties usually get along well with other pets, especially if they’re raised together. When introducing them to new furry friends, it’s essential to keep in mind that Portuguese Water Dogs can be quite excitable. Supervision is key, especially when meeting smaller pets like cats or small dog breeds. Extra care should be taken around tiny animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs to ensure everyone stays safe.

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Puppies

Starting socialization early is crucial for Portuguese Water Dog puppies. Getting them used to being around other dogs and people will help them grow into well-rounded adults. Since they love to chew, training from an early age is essential to teach them what they can and cannot bite. Early grooming practices are also important; brushing and clipping them while they’re young will make grooming much easier as they grow. With proper training and care, Portuguese Water Dog puppies grow up to be loving, intelligent, and energetic companions.

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