Portuguese Water Dog

Dog Breed Group

Working Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Portugal 

Life Expectancy

12 to 14 years 

Color

White, Brown, Black,Brown/White, Black/White 

Coat

Profuse and thick except under forelegs and thighs 

Exercise Needs

They need ample exercise which should consist of free exercise, daily walks or swimming. 

Temperament

This breed can have guard dog tendencies. To discourage this tendency training must be started at an early age (ten weeks). An a 

Good with Children

Good with children if raised with them and if the children are taught how to treat a dog. 

Grooming Needs

Regular brushing and combing of his coat. Weekly cleaning of his ears, especially after swimming. 

Average Size - Male (in)

20 - 23 

Average Size - Female (in)

17 - 21 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

42 - 60 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

35 - 50 

Health Issues

Progressive retinal atrophy, storage disease, hip dysplasia and skin condition.v

Living Conditions

A home with a fenced yard as he is an active dog. The owner of a Portuguese Water Dog needs to take time to exercise, socialize  

Breed Description

Once a familiar sight throughout fishing ports of the Iberian Peninsula, and is still commonly found in the Algarve region of Portugal. This breed is a fisherman's dog, a fine swimmer with great endurance undertaking a wide variety of tasks. It will guard the catch, swim between boats and dive and retrieve fish or objects lost overboard.

Breed Infobits

The Portuguese Water Dog has been making itself useful in Portugal for centuries.
It is also known as Cao de Aqua.
The Portuguese Water Dog is just the right size to make it ideal as a companion animal, but still robust enough to also double as a working dog.
The Portuguese Water Dog provides a reliable watch-dog service and quickly becomes a part of the family.