Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Description

The Portuguese Water Dog, officially known as CГЈo de ГЃgua PortuguГЄs, is a very old and simultaneously very rare breed of dog. It not only resembles the standard poodle in appearance but is also closely related to it. However, this was confirmed by genetic analysis only in 2017. The Portuguese Water Dog suddenly gained fame thanks to “Bo,” a water dog puppy that former U.S. President Barack Obama gifted to his daughters when they moved into the White House.

Water dogs were widely found throughout Europe and the eastern coastline of North America for thousands of years. Only a few of them worked in the stormy seas of the Atlantic, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever in the North Atlantic and the CГЈo de ГЃgua along the coast of the Pyrenees. The achievements of these dogs are astonishing and extremely noteworthy. They worked along practically every Atlantic coastline, helping fishermen set and retrieve nets. It is said that in many cases these dogs saved lives of people who suffered shipwrecks. In harbors, they guarded ships and their catches. Likely, they performed this demanding task for many centuries. There are only a few dog breeds whose existence is historically well documented.

In his encyclopedia of purebred dogs, canine expert Hans Rabe recounts an unusual rescue case recorded in 1297, when a monk described how a dog saved a fisherman from distress off the southern coast of Portugal. The monk provides a detailed description of the dog with “long black hair, clipped to the last rib, and a tuft of hair at the end of the tail.” Interestingly, this description, unchanged for over 700 years, accurately reflects the appearance of the modern Portuguese Water Dog. Today, such a hairstyle is called a “Lion-Clip” and is considered characteristic for the working roles of these dogs. While Portuguese Water Dogs are mainly engaged in other activities today, they sometimes participate in sea rescue operations in their traditional areas. Moreover, they are widely used as service dogs and therapy dogs.

However, the primary area of activity for Portuguese Water Dogs is serving as family pets and companions. These intelligent, peace-loving, and friendly beings thrive in a family environment. Their swimming skills are impressive, and unlike many other dog breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog can even dive.

The main issue facing this breed is its extremely limited breeding base, which complicates its official recognition. The original breed of water dogs displayed flexibility in appearance, which was important for fishermen due to their workability and individuality. However, the pursuit of uniformity in breeding has led to a significant loss of genetic diversity within the breed.

The CГЈo de ГЃgua PortuguГЄs was recognized by the International Canine Federation in 1955, but the narrow breeding base and inbreeding today pose health risks to the breed. Even with a growing demand fueled by the breed’s popularity after Bo’s appearance, the situation has improved. Despite the emergence of questionable breeders and puppy mills, there are now several breeders within VDH actively working on healthy breeding practices.Currently, VDH is losing about 100 puppies each year, indicating the rising popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog and its suitability as a companion and family friend.The Portuguese Water Dog has two distinctive characteristics: energy and intelligence. The “Porti” is a clever breed that enjoys every exercise that tests its physical and mental abilities. Additionally, the Porti is a loving family dog that takes joy in caring for its people. In fact, the Porti requires family companionship. If left alone at home or in a kennel for extended periods, it will not thrive. It flourishes in a bustling household.Male Portuguese Water Dogs stand between 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 42 to 60 pounds.

Appearance

The Portuguese Water Dog, officially known as CГЈo de ГЃgua PortuguГЄs, is an elegant creature of medium to large size, covered in dense, medium-length fur. At first glance, it resembles a standard poodle, having curly and wavy hair that is sturdy and lacks an undercoat. This breed is often given a lion cut, traditional for poodles, which is mandatory at FCI shows. The visual similarity to poodles remains undeniable to the average observer, even with the lion cut.

The lion cut, despite personal preferences, is an important element of an ancient tradition that does not harm the dog’s health. More attention is focused on altering appearance through grooming than on experimentation with breeding or extreme selection. The breed standard clearly defines various shades of black or brown fur, as well as pure white color, provided that the white is not albino and is accompanied by black pigmentation on the nose.

The build of the Portuguese Water Dog is rectangular, strong, and well-balanced, with pronounced musculature in the shoulders. Its appearance demonstrates resilience, insight, and attentiveness. One of the notable features of this breed is the developed webbing between the toes, resembling swimming fins. Sometimes this fact is used in advertising, portraying the breed as suitable for allergy sufferers. Despite having virtually no tendency to shed due to its fur structure, the label “hypoallergenic” seems premature and lacks scientific validation.

Regarding size, the standard specifies a height at the withers for males of 50 to 57 centimeters and for females of 43 to 52 centimeters. The recommended weight for males is between 19 to 25 kilograms, and for females, it is between 16 to 22 kilograms. These measurements indicate that dogs of this breed have a lean and muscular physique, despite their voluminous fur.

The dog is a strong, well-balanced animal, with particularly strong musculature in the shoulders. Its expression is firm, insightful, and attentive.

The Portuguese Water Dog has a longer lifespan for its size, typically reaching 12-14 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head and skull of the breed are characterized by a large, streamlined skull that slightly exceeds the length of the muzzle, with a pronounced occiput. A clearly defined stop adds to the contours. The neck is short, straight, possesses strong musculature, is held high, and lacks a mane and dewlap.

Морда

The muzzle slightly narrows. The central groove occupies two-thirds of the skull's length. The frontal bones are prominent. The nose is wide, with the nostrils widely open. It is black in black, black-and-white, and white dogs. The liver-colored nose is found in brown and brown-and-white dogs.

Уши

Ears are heart-shaped, drooping, thin, positioned significantly above eye level, and held close to the head, except for the back part. The tips do not go below the neck line.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, round, and widely spaced. The color is black or dark brown with dark outlines around the eyes.

Зубы

The breed's bite is characterized by a scissor shape: the jaws have strength, and the teeth are perfectly positioned - the upper ones closely overlap the lower ones and are perpendicular to the jaws. The prominently developed canines stand out especially.

Корпус

Let's examine the breed's body structure, where the length of the body from the shoulder to the hips slightly exceeds the height at the withers. A broad withers harmoniously transitions into the back, and a wide, deep chest reaches the elbows. It is characterized by curved ribs that angle backward and a short yet strong loin, giving the body a moderately athletic appearance. A slight slope of the croup creates a breed profile that adds to its harmony.

Конечности

Передние конечности обладают прямым строением, крепким костяком и развитой мускулатурой. Мускулистые и правильно поставленные плечи подчеркивают силу. Задние конечности характеризуются прямым строением, сильной мускулатурой, хорошими углами, длинными и изогнутыми ягодицами, мощными скакательными суставами и длинными плюснами. Лапки, округлые и относительно плоские, с короткими и не слишком собранными пальцами, покрыты волосами и оборудованы толстыми центральными подушечками. Они создают легкий, энергичный шаг с оживленными короткими шагами.

Хвост

The tail, a distinctive feature of the breed, should be set on moderately, thick at the base, and tapering, not reaching below the hock joint. In motion, the tail rises playfully above the topline, forming a curve.

Шерсть

Обильная, покрывает все тело, за исключением нижней части передних конечностей и бедер. Два разных типа, оба без подшерстка. (а) Волосы довольно длинные, свободно завитые, с легким блеском, волосы на голове торчащие, уши хорошо опушены. (б) Волосы короче, довольно жесткие и густые, компактные кудри, лишены блеска, волосы на голове похожи на тело, волосы на ушах несколько волнистые. Морда и вся задняя часть тела от последнего ребра подстрижены. Две трети хвоста срезаны с момента установки.

Окрас

The color is presented in various variations, including black, white, different shades of brown, black and white, brown and white. Dogs of black, white, and black-and-white coloration have bluish skin.

Character

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, alert, and friendly creature. According to the official standard, the breed is accurately described as exceptionally smart, able to understand and eagerly follow all commands from its owner. It has a distinct personality: stubborn, proud, impulsive, frugal, and tireless. Its face appears serious, with a perceptive and attentive gaze. Its vision is strong, and its sense of smell is remarkable.

As for the breed’s purpose, the standard emphasizes that the Portuguese Water Dog excels at swimming and diving. It is an indispensable companion for fishermen, providing various services not only in fishing but also as a guardian and protector of their boats and cargo. While fishing, this dog pays attention to detail and happily jumps into the sea, even diving when necessary to help catch and retrieve escaped fish. It also shows strength and resourcefulness in situations like a torn net or a loosened rope.

The Portuguese Water Dog seeks to be active both physically and mentally. It is a balanced and friendly partner for families and a wonderful companion for children. This breed gets along with other dogs in the household and, due to its people-oriented and curious nature, is suitable even for active novices.

Portuguese Water Dogs make excellent pets, especially when properly raised in the presence of children. However, they can be playful, which sometimes may raise concerns for small children. It is important to frequently remind children to be cautious when interacting with dogs and to supervise their interactions to avoid potential unpleasant situations, such as chewing, tugging on ears, or tails.

Despite their independence, these dogs are not suitable for being bred in kennels and tend to remain loyal to their owners. They show tolerance towards other dogs and cats, especially if socialized at a young age. Once they learn to recognize cats, they can coexist with them without issues.

Training a Portuguese Water Dog is relatively easy due to its open nature and it responds well to training. It strives to be a grateful partner in upbringing and is perfectly suited for beginners. Portuguese Water Dogs forgive mistakes, provided they are corrected in a timely manner under the guidance of an experienced trainer.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Portuguese Water Dog is not difficult, but it is important to keep them adequately occupied. They are ideal for working in collaboration with their owners, even if they are not catching fish in the Atlantic today. They love water and actively play in it. However, it’s essential to be cautious about not allowing excessive amounts of such activities. They also seek physical movement and enjoy solving mental tasks while being non-dominant and non-demanding. The breed has virtually no hunting instinct.

Grooming a Portuguese Water Dog can be challenging, as their coat requires careful brushing and regular trimming. However, the lack of shedding and thus, problems with excessive shedding, make them convenient pets. They adapt well in apartments and homes with large gardens, suitable for both families and individuals. They are friendly with children and travel easily in cars, especially when using an aluminum transportation crate of size L.

To prevent tangling and matting, the Portuguese Water Dog requires regular grooming. Daily brushing, combing, bathing, and haircuts are necessary, as this breed demands significant attention. Regular hygiene procedures include daily brushing, and the style of the haircut often depends on the owner’s preferences without directly affecting the coat’s condition. Two types of hair clips are used: one for trimming the muzzle and back, and another for cutting hair with scissors to about an inch in length.

Portuguese Water Dogs, known as “Portis,” are characterized by low shedding levels. Some believe this is because they have “hair” rather than fur, which theoretically makes them less prone to shedding. However, the term “hair” here does not possess synonymous meaning, as hair and fur are considered similar concepts. Compared to dogs with “hair” associated with long fur and slower growth, “fur” refers to shorter hair with a quicker growth cycle. The Portuguese Water Dog has a hair growth cycle akin to humans, including anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. The lengthy anagen phase results in long hair growth and less shedding.

Regular brushing of the Portuguese Water Dog several times a week is essential, and care should be taken to avoid matting. Using an appropriate brush purchased from specialty stores is recommended. Regular trimming is also a vital part of grooming, ensuring clear vision and clean eyes.

Portuguese Water Dogs do not have an undercoat, which contributes to their minimal shedding. In spring and autumn, they do not experience heavy fur loss, unlike breeds with double coats. If excessive shedding is noticed, it’s wise to consider possible underlying causes such as stress, fleas, allergies, or diet, and take appropriate actions.To maintain the health of a Portuguese Water Dog, it is advisable to provide 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. For weight control, it’s important to measure food portions and feed them twice a day, avoiding free access to food. If there are concerns about excessive weight, the dog’s condition can be assessed visually and through touch. Given their active lifestyle and physical activity levels, Portuguese Water Dogs generally do not have a tendency to overeat.If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult the nearest veterinarian.

Training and Education

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent breed that responds well to instructions. It seeks human attention and affection, greeting friends and family with great enthusiasm. Characterized by independence, the Portuguese Water Dog can sometimes challenge its owner’s desires. Raising this breed requires the use of positive methods and regular exercise to stimulate mental and physical activity.

For families with young children, the Portuguese Water Dog can sometimes be overly energetic. To prevent accidental scratches to ears or tails, interactions with the dog should be monitored, approached with friendliness. Training a Portuguese Water Dog is generally easy, but the learning process may depend on the owner’s patience, as the dogs are sensitive to tone of voice.

The Portuguese Water Dog possesses a variety of skills, including obedience, water trials, agility, service work, and assistance. These dogs are intelligent, caring, and independent, easily trained in obedience and high-level agility.

An energetic and hardworking breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires regular physical and mental activities such as brisk walks or runs. Their love for swimming makes them happy when they can fetch sticks or balls thrown into a pool. Strict daily training is essential to prevent behavioral issues stemming from their intelligence and work drive. While they are sweet and polite, Portuguese Water Dogs are not “couch potatoes,” and a lack of variety can lead to destructive behavior.

True to its name, the Portuguese Water Dog is a dedicated lover of water. Therefore, it is important to provide ample opportunities to satisfy its passion for water activities. Naturally, after getting out of the water, its coat may be wet and possibly muddy. Despite their remarkable self-cleaning ability, this trait may not suit everyone. The Portuguese Water Dog demonstrates outstanding skills in various areas of dog sports and also successfully performs professional tasks such as rescue dog, assistant, or therapy dog.

This breed is highly intelligent and extremely energetic, showcasing itself as an exceptionally skilled “fishing dog.” Their abilities in swimming and diving are excellent. At the same time, they exhibit a pleasant demeanor, maintaining their independence while showing a high level of obedience to their owner. This creature is brave, tireless, and demonstrates a lively, active temperament. Compare from reputable breeders at Zoonyka and choose your perfect pet.

How to Choose a Puppy

If you are considering getting a Portuguese Water Dog, it is advisable to contact one of the few breeders well in advance of when you plan to acquire a pet. Puppies usually need to be reserved in advance. It is important that the breeder is associated with VDH (German Dog Owners Club) and conducts health checks for hereditary diseases in their dogs. This is a mandatory requirement for responsible breeding. It is also essential to avoid inbreeding, which can be checked through a pedigree where no name should appear more than once. The breeder should also have a well-documented litter with photographs. You should have the opportunity to see the litter along with the mother dog on-site by arrangement. Please avoid purchasing a Portuguese Water Dog online, as there is a high risk of obtaining a puppy from a trader or unscrupulous breeder, who often hides their activities.

The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the last dog breeds historically found throughout Europe. These dogs assisted fishermen and hunters even in the most challenging conditions of the rough sea. Over centuries of living alongside humans, Portuguese Water Dogs have developed an extremely responsive, devoted, and loyal character, making them excellent companions. Choose the puppy of your dreams with a pedigree at the Zooinic.

Health and Diseases

The health of the Portuguese Water Dog is not only about their physical well-being but also a key factor in ensuring their active and fulfilling life. The Portuguese Water Dog, being a high-energy breed, requires regular physical activity to maintain its health. Daily walks, playtime, and sports activities not only strengthen their muscles and support an ideal weight but also enhance overall immunity.

Typically, Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their robust health, but like any breed, they can experience certain health issues. These include minor conditions such as GM1 storage disease, hip dysplasia, distichiasis, Addison’s disease, alopecia, juvenile cardiomyopathy, as well as more serious problems like progressive retinal atrophy. The average lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog is usually between 10 to 14 years. Occasionally, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and epilepsy may also arise.

Veterinarians can conduct a range of tests, such as hip tests, DNA testing, and GM1 screening, to identify potential problems in dogs of this breed. Generally, Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy good health, and responsible breeders routinely perform health checks on their dogs and share experiences with other breeders to maintain the health and unique characteristics of the breed.

Regular vet visits, careful hygiene practices, and a balanced diet are essential components in caring for the health of a Portuguese Water Dog. Special attention is given to their ears, teeth, and coat. Common practices include regular brushing, attentive dental care, and cleaning ears after contact with water.

It is important to understand that, despite the efforts of veterinarians and breeders to maintain the breed’s health, individual characteristics and living conditions also play a significant role. Regular attention to the health of a Portuguese Water Dog ensures a long, active, and happy life for your furry friend.