Portuguese Water Dog
Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 50 – 57cm
Female: 43 – 48 cm
Energy Level: High
Original Function: Fisher’s assistant
Lifespan: 12 – 16 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families, allergy sufferers.
About This Breed
The Portuguese Water Dog for centuries played an important role in the lives of Portuguese fishermen. They were trained to retrieve items in the water, such as nets, tackle, even herding fish into nets.
They are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can be self-willed at time, so need firm but not harsh training from an early age to avoid any stubborn behaviour.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Large sized body. Eyes dark. Ears flop down. Nose same colour as the coat colour. Tail long. Feet are webbed. Robust, well balanced, rectangular in outline, very strongly muscled on shoulders. Hard, penetrating and attentive expression.
Temperament: Pleasant disposition, self-willed but very obedient to owner. Brave and tireless.
Characteristics: Very intelligent and tremendously energetic ‘fisherman’s dog’ with great swimming and diving traits.
Colour: Black, white, various shades of brown, black and white brown and white
Coat: Two Types:
1. Long with loose waves.
2. Shorter with more curl.
Grooming: The coat can be trimmed or clipped pet style of your taste to suit your lifestyle. Bath once a month and brush once a week. The only trim in our standard for showing is the lion trim entire hindquarters from the last rib, tail clipped two thirds, one third left long.
Exercise: Regular exercise is needed to keep them fit and happy. They love the water so swimming is a must for a happy dog.
Health: