Portuguese Water Dog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

Basic Information - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

Group:
Working dog
undefined
Portugal
Height Male:
43 - 57 cm16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
43 - 57 cm16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Other Names:
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes

History - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

portuguese water dogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

Description - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

Characteristics - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

Health Problems - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

Caring The Pet - Portuguese Water Dog for Sale

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Portuguese Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Portuguese Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Portuguese Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Portuguese Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aussie Poo - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Water Dog vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Water Dog vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Water Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Water Dog vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Water Dog vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Water Dog vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Water Dog vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Water Dog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Water Dog vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison