The Portuguese Water Dog is a versatile, athletic breed originally developed along the Portuguese coast to assist fishermen by herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and acting as couriers between boats. Part of the American Kennel Club’s Working Group, these dogs are known for their intelligence, trainability, and spirited energy. Their curly, waterproof coat and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers, and they remain highly adaptable to various roles today, from family companions to therapy dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs gained increased popularity in recent years, partly due to their hypoallergenic coat and notable fans, including the Obama family. Typically, they fall into the medium-sized category, with males weighing between 42-60 pounds and females between 35-50 pounds, making them an ideal choice for active families or individuals.
Highlights
- Sunny and Bo were two beloved Portuguese Water Dog owned by President Barack Obama - America’s First Dogs.
Basic Details
Origin
- Country of Origin: Portugal
- Historical Background: Originally bred by Portuguese fishermen to help retrieve nets, herd fish, and deliver messages between boats
- Recognition: Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983
Breed Group
- Group: Working Group (recognized by the AKC)
- Function: Historically used as a working dog for fishermen, known for its swimming ability and strength in water-related tasks
Size Group
- Size Category: Medium
Appearance
- Height: 20-23 inches for males, 17-21 inches for females
- Weight: 42-60 pounds for males, 35-50 pounds for females
- Coat: Dense, curly or wavy coat that is waterproof; no undercoat, which contributes to its hypoallergenic qualities
- Colors: Usually black, brown, or white, with some having white markings on the chest and feet
- Build: Strong, athletic, and muscular, with webbed feet designed for swimming and a unique lion-cut or retriever-cut coat styling
Temperament
- Personality Traits: Energetic, loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable
- Energy Level: High; thrives on regular activity, especially swimming and interactive play
- Good with Children: Generally very good with children and affectionate with family members
- Compatibility with Other Pets: Typically gets along well with other pets, especially with early socialization
Popularity
- Recognition: Gained popularity in the U.S. due to being a favorite of former President Barack Obama, who owned two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny
- Popularity Rank in the U.S.: Although it’s a lesser-known breed, it gained significant attention due to its hypoallergenic qualities and affectionate nature
Health and Lifespan
- Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Common Health Issues: Can be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Addison’s disease, and juvenile cardiomyopathy
- Grooming Needs: Moderate to high; requires regular grooming due to its dense, curly coat, and is considered hypoallergenic with minimal shedding
Exercise and Training Needs
- Exercise Requirements: High; needs daily physical and mental exercise, such as swimming, running, and engaging play
- Best Activities: Swimming, obedience training, agility, and fetch
- Training Approach: Responds well to positive reinforcement and consistent training, as it is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed
- Special Skills: Excellent swimmers with natural instincts for water work, making them ideal for tasks involving swimming and water retrieval
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Portuguese Water Dog?
The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal, where it was bred to assist fishermen with tasks such as retrieving nets, herding fish, and delivering messages between boats.
What group does the Portuguese Water Dog belong to?
The Portuguese Water Dog is part of the Working Group, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breed was historically used for various water-related jobs with fishermen.
How big do Portuguese Water Dogs get?
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized. Males typically stand 20-23 inches tall and weigh 42-60 pounds, while females are 17-21 inches tall and weigh 35-50 pounds.
What does a Portuguese Water Dog look like?
The breed has a dense, curly or wavy waterproof coat that is typically black, brown, or white. They have a muscular build with webbed feet, designed for strong swimming ability.
What is the temperament of a Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and high energy. They are affectionate with family members and have an eager-to-please personality.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with children?
Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are generally good with children. They tend to be playful, affectionate, and tolerant, making them great companions for families.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs get along with other pets?
With proper socialization, Portuguese Water Dogs typically get along well with other pets. Their friendly and social nature makes them adaptable to multi-pet households.
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
Portuguese Water Dogs require high levels of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy swimming, running, and interactive play to burn off their energy.
How often should I groom my Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dogs need regular grooming due to their dense, curly coat. They require brushing a few times a week, along with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed a lot?
No, Portuguese Water Dogs are considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Their unique coat makes them suitable for people with mild allergies, but they still require regular grooming.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic?
Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic. They shed minimally, which makes them a good choice for families with allergy concerns.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs easy to train?
Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistent training work best with this breed.
What is the lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog?
The average lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog is 10-14 years. With proper care, they can live a healthy, happy life into their senior years.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good swimmers?
Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are excellent swimmers. They were bred for water-related tasks, and their webbed feet make them natural and powerful swimmers.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs have any common health issues?
Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Addison’s disease, and juvenile cardiomyopathy. Regular vet check-ups are recommended.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs live in apartments?
Portuguese Water Dogs can adapt to apartment living if they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, they are happiest with space to move and play.
How much does a Portuguese Water Dog eat?
A Portuguese Water Dog’s diet depends on its size, age, and activity level. On average, they consume about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.
What activities do Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy?
Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy activities like swimming, agility, obedience training, and fetch. They love any activity that involves physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs protective?
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally friendly and social, but they can be protective of their families. They tend to alert their owners to strangers or unusual sounds.
What are the grooming styles for Portuguese Water Dogs?
The two common grooming styles for Portuguese Water Dogs are the “lion cut,” where the back half of the body is shaved, and the “retriever cut,” where the coat is trimmed evenly all over.
Fun Facts
They Have Webbed Feet
Portuguese Water Dogs have webbed feet, which help them swim with great agility and speed. This unique feature was beneficial in their traditional role as helpers for fishermen.
Portuguese Royalty Once Owned Them
Portuguese Water Dogs were considered highly valuable, and Portuguese royalty kept them for their impressive skills in water-related tasks. They were often seen as a breed of nobility.
They Are a Hypoallergenic Breed
Portuguese Water Dogs are hypoallergenic, shedding very little. Their low-shedding coat is an excellent choice for people with mild allergies.
They Are Known as "Cão de Água" in Portugal
In Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is known as "Cão de Água," which translates to "Dog of the Water." This name reflects their love for swimming and water work.
One of Their Traditional Tasks Was Herding Fish
Portuguese Water Dogs were used by fishermen to herd fish into nets, a task that required intelligence, agility, and a strong swimming ability.
They Are Known for Their Expressive Eyes
Portuguese Water Dogs have large, expressive eyes that give them a soulful appearance. Their expressive nature is one reason they are adored as family companions.
The Breed Almost Went Extinct in the Early 20th Century
The Portuguese Water Dog nearly went extinct in the early 20th century but was saved by a Portuguese shipping magnate, Vasco Bensaude, who helped revive the breed.
They Excel in Dog Sports
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly athletic and excel in various dog sports, including agility, obedience, and even water trials, which play to their natural strengths.
They Became Famous as the Obama Family's Pets
The popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog soared after the breed was chosen by former U.S. President Barack Obama as a family pet. Bo and Sunny were the Obamas' beloved pets.
They Have a Unique Grooming Style
Portuguese Water Dogs often have a distinctive grooming style called the "lion cut," where the back half of the body is shaved, and the front half remains full, reflecting their history in water work.