- QUICK PWD OVERVIEW
- Portuguese Water dogs are in the working dog class:
- Also known as PWD, Porties
- PWD are known in their homeland country of Portugal as the Cao de Aqua (dog of the water)
- Affectionate, adventurous, athletic
- PWD are medium size dogs, athletic and agile.
- PWD dogs shed much less then other breeds, mostly because their hair gets caught in their coat.
- PWD have curly, wavy and tousled coat.
- PWD male fine watchdogs, but they are too polite to be a guard dog.
- Extremely affectionate and loyal, he will be your best friend.
- Height: 20-23 inches (male) and 17-21 inches (female)
- Weight: 42-60 pounds (male) and 35-50 pounds (female)
WORK DOGS
The Portuguese Water Dog descends from dogs used for many centuries by Portuguese fishermen to drive fish into nets, retrieve gear from the water, and swim messages from boat to boat. Today’s PWD is a loving, loyal, caring, and fun family pet. They have maintained their high level of intelligence and love of the water. They have webbed-feet to insure their swimming capabilities. You must show them, through consistency, that you mean what you say. They are a true treasure and you will be happy to share your life with this wonderful family member.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Emotionally the Portuguese Water Dog is stable and sensible. Physically he is lively and athletic, poised for any activity and extremely brave. He loves to play and needs vigorous exercise: long walks, occasional runs, and swimming whenever possible, for he is a master swimmer and diver. A natural retriever, the Portuguese Water Dog is a mouthy dog who will pick up everything in his path, chew up both edible and inedible objects, and use his mouth when he wants you to pet him. They love a good belly rub. Provide a box filled with toys so he can satisfy his oral fixation by carrying something around in his mouth. It is important to teach them from the start to chew the correct toys and chews
STIMULATION
Mental stimulation is just as important to this clever, thinking breed. Get him involved in the sport of agility or advanced obedience, and play lots of vigorous fetching games with him. A Porties will play fetch starting very young age. PWD loves the outdoors and their people. PWDs are strong-minded, with an independent streak and an awesome sense of humor. Consistent leadership (alpha) is a must. Portuguese Water Dogs are accepting of other pets, especially when raised with them.
When well socialized, his reaction to strangers varies from friendly to polite, but he should always remain steadfast and hold his ground. This observant breed makes a fine watchdog, but not a guardian. They are calm in nature.
LOW NUMBERS OF PWD
PWD almost became extinct in the early 20 century as fishing became more modernized. Fortunately, a wealthy Portuguese dog lover, Vasco Bensuade, stepped in to save the breed. A few decades later this wonderful breed made its way to England and the USA. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed in 1972, despite the fact that there were only 12 known Porties in the U.S. In 1983 the AKC recognized the Portuguese Water Dog as a distinct breed. Today Porties rank 51 out of 155 breeds.
TYPE OF COATS
The Portuguese Water Dog has two coat types: curly and wavy. Both types are a single coat, meaning there’s no undercoat. That is why Porties do not shed as much as some breeds and why he’s often considered to be hypoallergenic. (Although all dogs shed hair and dander to some degree. The Portie’s coat can be black, white, various shades of brown, black or brown with white.
POPULAR CUT
It’s popular to give the Portie a lion clip or a retriever clip (my personal favorite). In the lion clip, the muzzle, mid-body, and rear end are short, with a tuft at the end of the tail. In the retriever clip, the coat is clipped or trimmed all over to about an inch in length, following the outline of the body. Brush your Portie on regular basis. They do shed a little but most loose hair will be found in the brush. You will not find much hair on your floor. Especially if you brush adhering to a regular routine.
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