Prestige Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a muscular, medium-sized dog. Their coat varies between a flat, wavy or shiny type to a thick, open curl, or a tight curl.
They come in a few different colors ranging from black or brown with white markings, silver or gray. Portuguese Water Dogs have a body that is slightly longer than tall, the top line is straight and level and the brisket reaches the elbows. Porties have a broad chest and large head with a rounded skull, and heart-shaped ears that shouldn't hang past their lower jaw. They have dark eyes and their teeth meet in a scissor or level bite, and the tail starts out thick near the body and then tapers outward. They have very straight strong and a parallel legs and have webbing between the toes which helps them swim better.
Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is obviously a lover of the water. They are affectionate and fun to be around and are very loyal. They are great with children and usually have no problem getting along with other dogs and pets.
You should introduce them to other animals early on so that the company of them will cause no problem. They are brave and highly intelligent. Training them is a breeze, as long as you understand the dog's character they catch on very quickly. Make sure you are consistent in your training, Portie's can easily out-think their owner! They are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. It is a good idea to alternate training and play. They are eager to please and obedient. They have a great sense of humor and love to be the spotlight of attention.
Height, Weight
Males are from 20-22 inches (50-57 cm) and females are from 17-20 inches
(43-52 cm). Males weigh from 42-55 lbs. (19-25 kg) and females weigh from
35-49 lbs. (16-22 kg)
Health Problems
Some breeding lines of Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Before breeding, the stud and bitch should be tested for hip dysplasia, PRA and GM1 Storage Disease, which is a fatal nerve disease that appears when a puppy is six months old.
Living Conditions
Apartment living is not sufficient for a Portuguese Water Dog, but apartment life could be okay as long as it is exercised frequently. They are moderately active indoors and you should have at least a small yard for them to exercise and play in. They can live outdoors in temperate climates, but would be much happier living indoors and close to their family.
Exercise
The Portuguese Water Dog is a pretty active dog, they need daily physical and mental exercise. They love to swim and there is nothing that they love more than if you throw a stick or a ball in the water for them to retrieve.
They also enjoy long walks, jogs, and romping around in the yard. Porties make excellent jogging companions.
Life Expectancy
A Portuguese Water Dog's life expectancy is from 10 to 14 years.
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog requires regular grooming, it should be brushed and combed at least a few times a week. The wavy-coated Porties are usually clipped close at the hindquarters and on the nose but the curly-coated Porties usually have the working retriever clip. Porties shed little to no hair and are virtually hypo-allergenic making them ideal pets for people with dog allergies. Their coat grows slower than a poodles coat and does not require a frequent scissoring or clipping.
Origin
Portuguese Water Dogs were developed from the working dogs that were brought by the invaders and the settlers of the Iberian Peninsula. The Portuguese Water Dog has been aiding the Portuguese fisherman for centuries. They would herd and help catch fish and would carry messages between the ships and would also retrieve anything that fell overboard. The dogs were considered to be part of the crew and were given their own share of both fish and the money earned for the catch. The retired fisherman would often rent out their dogs to bring in extra money. Technology eventually replaced the Portuguese Water Dog. By the 1930's the breed was almost completely gone. Luckily enough there was a wealthy shipping tycoon and Vasco Bensuade took an interest in the Portuguese Water Dog and started gathering Porties to start a breeding program. The United States did not begin their interest in the Portuguese Water dog until 1958, when the first pair were imported. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed in 1972 and in the 1980's the breed was accepted for AKC registration. Portuguese Water Dogs are primarily used as companion dogs in the United States but also compete in water trials, obedience and agility contests and are used as therapy and assistance dogs.
Group
The Portuguese Water Dog is a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Working Breed group.