Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 17-21 in, Males 20-23 in
Weight
Females 35-50 lbs, Males 42-60 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-15 yrs
History
The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal, although exactly when is unclear. The first written account describing the breed was from 1297, describing a black curly-coated dog saving a drowning man. Long ago, Portuguese Water Dogs could be found all along the coast of Portugal on boats and in shipyards. The dogs were used to herd fish into nets, retrieve equipment that had fallen in the water, relay messages from boats to other boats or to land, and to be a loving companion at night. While technology eventually replaced the use of these dogs, they are still employed as water rescue workers and as companions.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Portuguese Water Dogs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★★
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★★☆☆
Prey Drive
★★★☆☆
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆
Common Traits
Affectionate, fun-loving, and friendly
Their favorite activity is playing in the water- they even have webbed feet!
Mature slowly and might take a few years to grow out of "puppyhood"
Can become destructive if not given the sufficient exercise or mental stimulation
Highly intelligent and learn easily, but can get bored very quickly with repetitive training
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