Portuguese Water Dog Information

The Portuguese Water Dog is an extrovert that enjoys being with the family and being in water.  It is kind and listens to directions.  This breed gets along well with children and with other animals.  The Portuguese Water Dog is ideal for a person or a family that is high energy and looking for a pet with the same qualities.         

The Portuguese Water Dog is a high energy breed that requires both mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis.  The physical needs can be met with a walk, a jog, a play session, or a swim.  This breed enjoys the opportunity to participate in activities both indoors and outdoors.  The coat of the Portuguese Water Dog requires combing a few times per week in addition to clipping or scissoring once each month.      

The major health concern for the Portuguese Water Dog is PRA (progressive retinal atrophy).  Some of the minor health concerns for this breed include GM1 storage disease, distichiasis, Addison’s, CHD (canine hip Dysplasia), juvenile cardiomyopathy, and follicular Dysplasia.  Occasionally seen in this breed are irritable bowel syndrome and seizures.  It is suggested that regular testing of the eyes, hips, and DNA occur.  The average life span of a healthy Portuguese Water Dog is 10 to 14 years.      

The Portuguese Water Dog is derived from herding dogs located in the central region of Asia.  It is also thought that this breed may share some of its heritage with the Poodle breed.  The specific time that the Portuguese Water Dog arrived in Portugal is uncertain.  One belief is that the Visigoths brought the breed into Portugal during the fifth century.  Another theory is that this breed arrived in Portugal in the eighth century by way of the Berbers and Moors.  The water loving Portuguese Water Dog made a name for itself in Portugal with its ability to assist in fishing expeditions by herding and retrieving nets and other fishing equipment in the water.  The breed also became a part of fishing expeditions between Iceland and Portugal.  The Portuguese Water Dog was initially called the Cao de Agua, which refers to its affinity towards water.  There are two varieties of this breed, which are the Cao de Agua de Pelo Ondulado and the Cao de Agua de Pelo Encaradolado.  The first being the long-haired version and the latter being the curly-haired version.  As the techniques for fishing began to change, the presence of the Portuguese Water Dog began to diminish.  Dr. Vasco Bensuade is thought to be responsible for the rescue and promotion of the Portuguese Water Dog and his efforts led to a standard being written.  This breed started to be shown in the show ring as well.  During the 1950’s, the Portuguese Water Dog had made an emergence in England but this quickly ended.  During the same time, the Portuguese Water Dog arrived in America and in 1984 became recognized by the AKC.  The popularity of this breed continues to grow in America as a family dog instead of a water working dog.   

Puppies                  

Middle Aged     

Older