Portuguese Water Dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them calm and happy. They thrive in large fenced yards and may become destructive if bored indoors.

It’s important to give your PWD a high-quality diet and provide plenty of exercise. Otherwise, they might end up gnawing on your hands or chewing their way through furniture!

1. They’re easy to train

Portuguese water dogs are fast learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They also excel at obedience and agility classes. They need plenty of daily mental and physical stimulation, however, and will thrive in a home with a large fenced yard and lots of games to play.

Since this breed’s natural retrieval instinct means they love to explore the world with their mouths, pet parents should encourage this behavior through chew toys and provide plenty of safe places for them to play tug or fetch. They will also tend to mouth (which is different from biting) if they’re excited, so teaching them to sit and stay calm with a toy is important.

Because of their wavy or curly coats, Porties require regular grooming, ideally every other day. They need to be brushed or combed in order to avoid tangles and matting, as well as trims or clipping at least once a year. A visit to the groomer is also recommended every 4-6 weeks.

New pet parents should always have a veterinarian check a Portuguese water dog puppy for congenital conditions like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, a recessive genetic disease that causes night blindness and can lead to total blindness. In addition to these common issues, pet parents should have their vet test for Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, which occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce the steroids cortisol and aldosterone that are responsible for regulating various body functions. A DNA test can help identify whether a puppy has a predisposition to the condition. Generally, dogs with Addison’s disease live normal lives if treated, but it can be fatal for some.

2. They’re good with kids

Portuguese water dogs are intelligent and affectionate, so they get along great with children. However, like other breeds of dogs, they should never be left unsupervised with small children or infants. They may consider them their canine litter mates and could play with them too vigorously, which can lead to injuries. They also tend to be a bit more rambunctious than most children, and their high energy levels need to be channeled into physical or mental activity to prevent destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or digging up the yard.

If you’re considering adding a Portuguese Water Dog to your family, be sure to choose an adult dog from a shelter or rescue group. This will help ensure that you’re getting a healthy, well-trained dog without any negative traits. PWDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as a number of other health problems, including diabetes and kidney disease. You can reduce the risk of these issues by feeding your Portuguese Water Dog a high-quality diet optimized for their age and activity level, and by bathing them regularly to keep their coat clean and healthy.

PWDs come in a variety of colors and coat types, but most are known for their beautiful, dense, wavy fur. They shed infrequently and are considered hypoallergenic, which makes them a good choice for families with allergies or sensitive people. They often get clipped in a style that’s called the “lion cut” or the “retriever cut.” In this style, they’re usually given a long, luxurious coat around their muzzle, hindquarters, and base of tail, while the hair on their face and shoulders is shorter. Alternatively, some owners may choose to keep their Porties’ coats long.

3. They’re good with other pets

Portuguese water dogs get along well with other pets and children. They’re obedient and friendly, and they have even temperaments that make them easy to train. The dogs also have good stamina, so they can play for long periods of time without getting exhausted. They love to go on walks and run around the yard, but they’re also happy to hang out indoors with their families or play with a ball or toy.

As with all breeds, Portuguese water dogs require proper care to live a healthy life. They need to be brushed regularly to keep their hair from matting or tangling. In addition, owners should trim their dog’s nails every six to eight weeks and brush their teeth to prevent gum disease. They should also take their Portie to the veterinarian regularly for checkups, including dental cleanings. The PWDCA recommends that owners wait until their dog is 18 months or 2 years old before having them spayed or neutered.

Like all dogs, Portuguese water dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia and other health problems. They’re also prone to developing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a condition that causes deterioration of the light-sensitive layer in the eye and can eventually lead to blindness.

Porties require early socialization and training to develop a well-rounded personality. If they don’t receive these activities, they can become bored or destructive. To avoid this, make sure they have plenty of mental stimulation through games like treat puzzle toys or interactive toys such as the Rolly Cannoli. This helps to keep them focused and out of trouble. These activities also help to exercise their brains, which is good for them. While they’re generally even-tempered, if they don’t receive the proper care and attention, they can become destructive.

4. They’re good with cats

Portuguese water dogs get along well with other pets, including cats and other domestic animals. They’re good with children too, although young kids should be supervised while playing because they can knock them over. They may be too energetic for some small children and might nip or bite. They’re also strong and can scale fences, so they shouldn’t be left alone outside, as they may try to escape from their yards.

They need plenty of exercise, especially if they live in an apartment, or else they’ll become destructive. They enjoy activities such as jogging, long walks, and swimming. They also need to be stimulated mentally with agility training and advanced obedience. They’re intelligent, so they learn quickly.

This breed is at risk for certain genetic conditions, such as early-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness in your dog. It affects the rods and cones in your dog’s eyes, which are used for night vision and color vision. Other health issues that may affect your dog include autoimmune diseases, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and Addison’s disease, which is caused by a problem with the adrenal glands.

Like other dog breeds, Portuguese water dogs should be fed a high-quality diet. They are prone to obesity, so be sure to keep them at a healthy weight by watching how many treats they receive and giving them exercise regularly. They also need to be kept on a leash whenever they’re outside, as they’ll want to explore their surroundings and may try to swim in bodies of water they shouldn’t be in. They can get ill if they do this, so it’s important to supervise them when they’re outdoors.

5. They’re good with other dogs

Portuguese water dogs are very people-oriented pups that love to be the center of attention. They bond strongly with their owners and do well with kids and other pets, including cats. They are active and athletic, and they make great agility, obedience, and service dogs. Their playful nature also makes them good playmates for other dogs, although they may be more interested in fetch than playing tug of war.

Because these pups were bred to be the right-hand pups of fishermen, they have a strong work ethic and enjoy being given jobs to do. They thrive in households that involve them in daily activities, such as hiking, walking, jogging, swimming, and playing fetch. These pups can be quite energetic, and they’ll do best with a large fenced-in backyard that’s ideal for them to run around in.

Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Portuguese water dogs learn quickly and are a joy to train. However, they also need plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Dog puzzle toys and regular training sessions are a great way to keep your Portie’s mind sharp and engaged.

If you’re looking for a pup to bring home, check out local breeders and rescue groups for PWDs in need of loving homes. Be sure to select a responsible breeder that provides socialization and other introductory training before you take your new puppy home, as the window of opportunity for this can close quickly. You’ll also need to be ready for the commitment of owning a Portuguese water dog, which includes feeding them a high-quality commercial or homemade diet that’s appropriate for their age and health status. You should also be prepared to trim their nails regularly and groom them to prevent ear infections, hot spots, and other skin issues.