Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Information |
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| Popularity |
2022: #46 2021: #44 2020: #49 2019: #49 2018: #50 2017: #54 2016: #51 2015: #52 |
| Name | Portuguese Water Dog |
| Other names | Portie, PWD, Water Dog, Cao De Agua |
| Origin |  Portugal |
| Breed Group |
Working (AKC:1983) Gun Dogs (UKC) |
| Size | Medium |
| Type | Purebred |
| Life span | 10-14 years |
| Temperament |
Brave Docile Impetuous Intelligent Obedient Quarrelsome |
| Height |
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm) Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) |
| Weight |
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg) Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) |
| Colors |
Black Brown White |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies |
| Puppy Prices |
Average $2000 - $3000 USD The Portuguese Water Dog is generally considered one of the more expensive dog breeds you can buy. Usually, the average cost of purchasing a pet quality puppy from a reputable breeder is about $2,000 to $3,000. However, for a Portuguese Water Dog puppy with top breed lines and a superior pedigree, you may need to pay between $4,000 and $6,000. |
Breed Characteristics |
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| Adaptability |
5 stars |
| Apartment Friendly |
4 stars The Portuguese Water Dog will be okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but would be much happier living close to its family and spending days in the yard. |
| Barking Tendencies |
2 stars Occassional |
| Cat Friendly |
4 stars |
| Child Friendly |
4 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Dog Friendly |
4 stars |
| Exercise Needs |
4 stars The Portuguese Water Dog requires daily mental and physical stimulation. This breed loves to swim and has a great time retrieving sticks or balls from water. It is thoroughly happy competing in agility skills trials or other dog sports. Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited to active people. |
| Grooming |
3 stars With his handsome and abundant coat, the grooming requirements of the Portuguese Water Dog are above average. Regular grooming is essential to keep his coat in good condition, including brushing, bathing, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning. |
| Health Issues |
3 stars Hypoallergenic: Yes |
| Intelligence |
2 stars Ranking: #29 Full Ranking List |
| Playfulness |
4 stars |
| Shedding Level |
1 stars Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Stranger Friendly |
3 stars |
| Trainability |
3 stars Moderately Easy Training: The Portuguese Water Dog’s intelligence and fondness for hard work makes training a fairly simple matter. Portuguese Water Dogs are quick to understand instructions. |
| Watchdog Ability |
4 stars |
Portuguese Water Dog Names |
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|---|---|---|
| Rank | Boy Names | Girl Names |
| 01 | Charlie | Lucy |
| 02 | Leo | Izzy |
| 03 | Jax | Callie |
| 04 | Jake | Layla |
| 05 | Riley | Ruby |
| 06 | Zeus | Missie |
| 07 | Sam | Roxy |
| 08 | Riley | Marley |
| 09 | Oliver | Layla |
| 10 | Diesel | Holly |
| 100 Cute Puppy Names › | ||
Overview |
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The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust dog of medium build, slightly longer than it is tall. It is strong and well-muscled, able to work both in and out of the water for long periods. It has a profuse single coat, either wavy or curly. Two clips are acceptable: the lion clip, in which the muzzle and middle part, up to the tail tip, are clipped; and the retriever clip, in which the entire coat is scissored to about 1 inch in length, with the tail tip again left full length. The water dog's expression is steady, penetrating and attentive, reflecting its spirited disposition. The Portuguese Water Dog is one of exceptional intelligence and trainability, obeying any orders given by its master with willingness and pleasure. It is obedient both to those who care for it and to those for whom it works. It has a spirited disposition, is brave and independent, and resistant to fatigue. Its expression is hard and penetrating. The breed has splendid sight and a fair scenting capability. |
History |
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Curly- and wavy-haired working water dogs have been documented throughout Europe for centuries and are believed to have influenced the development of several breeds of dogs, including the Newfoundland and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Portuguese Water Dog has a long history of use in its homeland, where it was, and still is, a vital part of the fishing industry. Prized by their owners, the dogs are primarily used to herd fish into nets. Other duties include taking messages from boat to boat and retrieving escaping fish and lost objects. In 1983 the breed was first recognized by the AKC. Some of the Portuguese Water Dog's talents are obedience, water trials, agility, therapy dog and assistance dog. |
