The Portuguese Water Dog has a stocky build with strong legs, it can have a wavy or curly coat. They are medium in size, with the male dog being 17-21 inches tall and weighing 39-60 pounds and the female dog being 16-21 inches and weighing 33-53 pounds. Their fur can be black or brown, neither of which can have white spots. They have a single-layer coat that does not shed, which is why some people have referred to this dog as hypoallergenic, because people with dog allergies do not usually react to this breed.
History. This is a relatively old breed that probably originated around the 12th century. It was originally bred to help anglers and is quite unique in the job it was designed to do. The tasks they were bred for ranged from retrieving gear that had fallen over the side of fishing boats, or washed overboard, to retrieving any fish that jumped out of nets or fishing lines. Other duties were as life preservers, and they were even used to carry items from one boat to another or even to shore. Unusually, they are not only good swimmers, but can also dive underwater if necessary. These dogs are also believed to share ancestry with Poodles, although the Portuguese Water Dog has a shorter coat. The earliest historical evidence of this dog can be seen in a monk’s account of a drowned sailor who was rescued by one in 1297. Many years ago, this breed was on the verge of extinction, but in the 1930s, a Portuguese shipping magnate persecuted him. existing dogs and through his breeding program he saved them.
Temper. They are a superior companion given their intelligence and loving nature, and although they are independent dogs, they are still relatively easy to train in a variety of skills. They are friendly in their disposition and will get along with friends or strangers once properly introduced. They will usually bond with one person, although they will be quite happy with a whole family, they will usually stay quite close to their master or lover. These dogs enjoy petting and petting, and their coat is such that most people would have no problem indulging this desire. They often jump to greet people, so this should be thought of during training, and it is not uncommon for them to walk or dance on their hind legs.
Health problems. As with all Thoroughbreds they are subject to certain genetic disorders, due to their near extinction their gene pool is quite limited making it difficult to avoid these problems. There is a possibility of a life-threatening heart defect, but this is quite rare. Most commonly they are at risk of hip dysplasia, cataracts, night blindness and ingrown eyelashes, which cause eye irritation.
Cleanliness. Regular grooming with a regular brush or comb is required, but due to the fact that their hair is continuously growing, it will require fairly frequent clipping or trimming, which can be done at home, but is always best done professionally at a salon.
Life conditions. This breed has a stubborn and determined nature, which must be remembered during training, in order to avoid problems in later life. He enjoys games and sometimes it can seem impossible to wear him down or tire him out. They can be easily integrated into a family, although they will need to know who is the boss. Although it is a very hardy breed of dog, it will prefer a slightly warm climate and a well-ventilated atmosphere. They are unlikely to do well in an apartment, due to their bustle and general need for exercise.