Portuguese Water DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that in the past the Portuguese Water Dog could be found all along the Portuguese coast. Then, because fishing methods changed, it remained mainly in the Algarve, now considered its place of origin. Wikipedia says fishermen taught it to herd fish into nets and to retrieve whatever was lost in the water.

Wikipedia says that in the 1930s the breed was on the verge of disappearing when the shipowner Vasco Bensaude sought out the fishermen's dogs to rebuild it. His best-known dog was Leão (1931–1942).

How the breed developed

• Ancient times – The fishermen's dog all along the Portuguese coast.
• 1930s – Vasco Bensaude begins rebuilding the breed.
• 1 February 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a harmonious, balanced, powerful and well-muscled dog, almost square, with very well-developed muscles from constant swimming.

General appearance

The abundant coat covers the whole body, without undercoat, in two varieties: long and wavy, slightly glossy, or shorter and curly, dense and dull, with cylindrical curls. It forms a topknot on the head. The AKC says it can be given a “lion clip” or a “retriever clip”.

The coat is black or brown, in various shades, or white. In black and brown dogs, white is accepted on the muzzle, topknot, neck, chest, belly, tip of the tail and lower legs.

The standard describes it as exceptionally intelligent, understanding and obeying any command easily and willingly. It is impetuous, wilful, brave, sober and resistant to fatigue, with a serious, attentive expression and remarkable sight and sense of smell.

The AKC says it responds well to obedience training, but often thinks for itself and sometimes tests its owner's will. It needs positive methods and daily physical and mental activity.

Tips for effective training

• Use positive methods. The AKC recommends them.
• Keep its mind busy. It has a great need for mental stimulation.
• Let it swim. It is an excellent swimmer and diver.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It demands attention and contact with people.

The AKC says it is an athletic, active breed that needs serious exercise every day: long walks and play sessions. It does well at obedience, tracking, agility, rally and dock diving.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active families.
• Set aside time or budget for clipping.
• Dry its ears after swimming.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the dense, abundant coat is considered hypoallergenic, but it needs regular, extensive grooming. It can be given a “lion clip” (hindquarters and muzzle shaved) or a “retriever clip” (the whole body at about 2.5 cm).

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly, especially after swimming.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Ask for the parents' DNA tests.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The fishermen's helper. It herded fish into nets and retrieved whatever was lost in the water.
• A diver. The standard says it is an excellent swimmer and diver.
• The “lion clip”. It is a traditional clip for the breed.
• Leão. Vasco Bensaude's best-known dog.
• At the White House. The Obama family had two dogs of this breed.

Bo and Sunny, the Obama family's dogs

Wikipedia says US President Barack Obama had two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny. Sunny was chosen for a coat considered hypoallergenic, and Bo was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy.

Does it shed?

Very little; the coat is considered hypoallergenic, but it needs care.

How big does it get?

Males measure 50–57 cm and weigh 19–25 kg; females measure 43–52 cm and weigh 16–22 kg.

Can it swim?

Yes, it is an excellent swimmer and diver.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 11–13 years.