All About Portuguese Water Dogs

Portuguese water dogs require daily physical and mental exercise. They do well with children and other pets, but they are a strong-minded breed that needs consistent leadership. Like all dogs, Porties are susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia and Addison’s disease.

They thrive when engaged in obedience, agility, and flyball competitions. They also excel at tricks and enjoy being playful with their humans.

Origins

During their centuries-long history, Portuguese water dogs served as the devoted companions of fishermen along the coastal areas of their native country. They helped to herd fish into nets, dove for lost or broken equipment and carried messages between boats. Their natural ability to swim helped them in their role as working dogs. Their nickname, “dogs of the water,” captures their primary function perfectly. Their waterproof coats and maneuverability in the water allowed them to work all day without tiring.

The exact origin of the breed is unknown, though some experts believe that it descended from rugged Asian herding dogs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Moors in the 8th century. The Portuguese water dog is a multi-disciplinary working dog with an incredible adaptability, recognized affection, spirit of sacrifice and extreme intelligence, making them invaluable to the fishermen as crew members.

It was a Portuguese shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude that first saw the potential of this dog as a breed and began intentionally seeking out PWDs from the fishing villages. He was determined to re-establish the breed, but he refused to sell the pups to his domestic market as Portugal was a poor country with few people that could afford such expensive pets. Instead, he sold a few of the males to wealthy Americans.

American breeders started to notice these extraordinary dogs in the late 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1973 that one of Bensaude’s daughters imported the first PWD into America. Two years later the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was established, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1981.

These are happy dogs that love everyone they meet and get along great with children and other animals. They are active, athletic and smart, which allows them to excel at canine sports like obedience, agility and rally. They are also well suited for dock diving and other water activities. These dogs need to be active and exercised daily. If they do not, they can become destructive or engage in unhealthy behaviors. A large fenced in yard, long daily walks and play sessions are essential to the health and happiness of the Portuguese water dog.

Characteristics

Portuguese water dogs, or PWDs, are devoted companions with an independent streak. They can be high-spirited and demanding, especially of their people, but they adapt well to most living situations as long as they get adequate physical and mental stimulation. They need to live close to their people and do not like being left alone for extended periods of time.

They were important crew members on Portuguese fishing boats for centuries, helping to herd fish into nets, alert fishermen of schools of fish and possible danger, retrieving objects dropped overboard, delivering messages between ships, and guarding the boats and their catch when docked. They are strong swimmers and love to be in or around the water.

Their low-shedding, single coat is medium to long in length and comes in colors of brown, tan, black, and white. Their wavy or curly hair may be a bit longer than other dog breeds. Their coats need to be brushed daily and combed occasionally to keep it free of tangles and mats. PWDs should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks depending on their growth rate.

This highly intelligent breed responds best to reward-based obedience training. They also enjoy activities that allow them to use their considerable stamina, such as jogging and playing fetch or swimming in a pool.

Because of their independence, it is a good idea to socialize a Portuguese water dog as early as possible. This will help reduce their tendency to assert their dominance over humans, particularly those who are not their owners. This is particularly important if you plan to enroll your pup in agility skill trials, obedience classes, or other competition sports.

Like other dogs, PWDs are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA, and they are also susceptible to GM-1 Storage Disease (an autosomal recessive disorder that results in the buildup of toxic substances in the brain and other organs). To help ensure your pet’s health, you should consider genetic testing such as Wisdom Panel® Premium, which screens for over 200 diseases and traits including Addison’s disease, cataracts, glaucoma, degenerative myelopathy, cerebellar ataxia, chondrodystrophy, intervertebral disc disease, and others.

Health issues

Portuguese water dogs make loyal companions but they can be a bit stubborn and have an independent streak. They love people and are happy to adapt to different living situations, but they need to get enough daily physical and mental stimulation. This breed thrives in a house with a large, fenced-in yard. Porties can live in apartments if they are given plenty of exercise, but they’re happier with ample opportunities to run around and play with their people.

Like other dog breeds, Portuguese water dogs are predisposed to a number of health issues. A few of these conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). In addition, they can develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, and neurological disorders like epilepsy and degenerative myelopathy. They’re also susceptible to Addison’s disease, in which the adrenal glands don’t produce sufficient amounts of hormones that regulate the body.

Porties are prone to hip dysplasia, which occurs at a rate of about 13% in this breed. They’re also at risk of a hereditary condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscles and makes it difficult for the organ to pump blood. The disease can progress to heart failure, which is deadly for the dogs.

Fortunately, the DNA test for dilated cardiomyopathy is available to all Portuguese water dogs and can help identify affected puppies before breeding. In general, these intelligent, athletic, and affectionate dogs are relatively healthy.

Porties require a high-quality diet with a balanced blend of proteins, fats, and vegetables. Look for a food that is low in corn, wheat, and soy fillers to keep their sensitive digestive tracts happy. This breed tends to be allergic to dairy, so be careful about feeding them foods containing it. A reputable pet store or breeder should be able to provide you with a list of recommended food brands for Portuguese water dogs. The breed’s short coat requires regular grooming, but it sheds less than many other dog breeds. It’s also less prone to ear infections than most other dogs. They may bark a little, but only to alert their owners of people or animals outside. They’re not big droolers and are generally good with kids.

Training

Portuguese water dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable. They respond to consistent, strong, and loving leadership. These dogs will thrive in a home with a schedule that includes regular potty breaks, eat times, walks, and play sessions.

This breed has a long, wavy or curly coat and requires regular grooming to keep it looking healthy and tangle-free. A daily or every other day brushing and combing is usually sufficient, but this can be combined with regular trimming or clipping.

When it comes to Portuguese water dog training, early socialization and obedience classes are key. This is a great way for your pup to learn basic commands and get used to being around humans, other animals, and different environments. This will help him become a well-mannered, happy pet.

It is important that you teach your pup to walk on a leash with no pulling. This will make it easier for you to take him on outings and to the park. You should also teach your pup the command “Sit” and “Wait.”

These dogs love to swim, so introducing them to the water at an early age is a good idea. This is especially important if you live in an area with hot weather. During these times, it’s easy for dogs to become dehydrated quickly.

The Portuguese water dog is a natural swimmer, but it’s important to teach them how to swim properly. This will prevent injuries to yourself, your dog, or other people in the water. This dog is also at risk for developing a condition called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This disease affects the rods and cones in your dog’s eyes, which can lead to blindness over time.

If you want to participate in water sports with your Portuguese water dog, you’ll need to find a trainer who has experience working with this breed. These dogs were bred to perform tasks that include diving underwater and retrieving items from the water as well as jumping between boats to relay messages. You can also find clubs for water work that can help you get started with this interesting sport.