Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs have curly coats, webbed toes, and do not shed. Portuguese Water Dogs have less curly hair than poodles, have feathery tails, and are smaller than the Standard Poodle breed.

Portuguese Water Dogs have two coat types, wavy and curly. Occasionally, a dog may have what is termed an “improper” coat. This genetic anomaly causes the dog to have an undercoat. Because these dogs do not adhere to the breed standard, they may not be shown in competition, but otherwise are completely healthy and have all the excellent traits of Portuguese Water Dogs.

The hair is usually worn in a “retriever cut” or a “lion cut.” In the lion cut, the hindquarters, muzzle, and the base of the tail are shaved and the rest of the body is left full length. This cut originated with the fishing dogs of Portugal to keep the body warm while allowing movement of the back legs.

The retriever cut is left 1 inch long evenly over the body, although some owners prefer the muzzle or the base of the tail shorter. This cut is a more recent style and originated because breeders wanted to make the breed more appealing and less unusual looking for buyers.

Most Portuguese Water Dogs, especially traditional show dogs, are entirely black, sliver tipped, black and white, or brown. However, it is common to see white chests and legs on black or brown coats. “Parti” coats, with white coat and black spots, are rare but visually striking. Parti dogs are becoming more common in the United States.

Portuguese Water Dog’s hair must be trimmed about every two months and, although it is possible to groom at home, it is usually easier to pay a professional groomer.

Male Portuguese Water Dogs usually grow to be about 20 to 23 inches tall, and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Females usually grow to be about 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.

Originating in Asia, when the Portugese Water Dog’s ancestors were brought into Europe it was believed they developed into various dogs: In Germany, they became the Poodle; in Ireland, they became the Irish Water Spaniel. In Portugal, they were put to work in the water to herd fish into nets, and became the Portuguese Water Dog. The hardworking, seaworthy history of Portuguese Water Dogs shows up in the breed of today. The dog is adaptable to any living situation–city or country–as long as he gets enough exercise. He is loaded with energy and doesn’t tire easily. He is highly trainable, and water, of course, is his favorite place to play.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has two coat types: curly and wavy. Both types are a single coat, meaning there’s no undercoat. That’s why the Portie doesn’t shed as much as some breeds and why he’s often considered to be hypoallergenic. (Although all dogs shed hair and dander to some degree–there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.)

The Portie’s coat can be black, white, various shades of brown, or black or brown with white. It’s popular to give the Portie a lion clip or a retriever clip. In the lion clip, the muzzle, mid-body, and rear end are short, with a tuft at the end of the tail. In the retriever clip, the coat is clipped or trimmed all over to about an inch in length, following the outline of the body.

Brush or comb your Portie two or three times a week to keep the coat tangle-free. Clip or trim the coat monthly to keep it looking neat.

With any dog who spends a lot of time in the water, it’s important to give a thorough fresh-water rinse after swimming to remove chemicals, salt, and other substances that can cause coat or skin problems. Wipe out and dry the ears thoroughly as well to prevent infections.

Trim nails once or twice a month. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and protect your shins from getting scratched when your Portie enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.

Dental hygiene is also important. Brush your Portie’s teeth at least two or three times a week to keep his breath fresh and prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Daily brushing is even better.

Start grooming your Portie when he’s a puppy to get him used to it. Handle his paws frequently–dogs are touchy about their feet–and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult.

Portuguese Water Dog

The voice of the Portuguese Water Dog is very distinct; some are said to “yodel” and even “laugh” in a multi-octave vocalization.

The Portuguese Water Dog makes an excellent companion breed as well as watch dog. The breed is independent and loving, friendly and easily trained. The breed excels in dog sports as well as following directions in a working environment. Its watchdog abilities are primarily due to its distinct voice and its determination to defend its owner and home.

The breed can make an ideal deaf-assistance dog as well, as it can obey complex commands as well as notify those who are hard of hearing, or not completely deaf, with its loud bark. The breed loves attention and thrives when it is around its owner a majority of the time. It can have separation anxiety problems if left alone for long periods. The Portuguese Water Dog also has a tendency to jump as a greeting, or dance on its hind legs. It is a high-energy breed which needs a job to do.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog, known as the Cao de Agua “dog of the water” and the Portuguese Fishing Dog, was once popular all along Portugal’s coast where he was said to be prized by fishermen as a companion and guard dog. During this time, the dogs lived and worked on boats where they herded fish into nets, retrieved lost tackle or broken nets and acted as couriers from boat to boat to shore. These tasks required that the dogs be excellent swimmers. They were also capable of diving underwater to retrieve gear and to prevent fish from escaping from the nets. Modern technology, however, nearly caused the extinction of the breed.

Although there are many theories about the Water Dog’s history, there is no doubt that he has an ancient ancestry and is said to predate the Poodle. In pre-Christian times, it is said that the “water dog” was seen as nearly sacred. The breed was first brought to the United States in the late 1960s and by early 1970, there were only 25 known Portuguese Water Dogs in the world. However, because of dedicated breeders, by 1981 there were over 500 dogs in the U.S. Today, there are thousands living all over the world and though still not a common breed, it is no longer rare or in danger of extinction.

Portuguese Water Dog

The modern Portuguese Water Dog has been recognised since the 1930’s when the breed standard was set by a dog named Leao.  A shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude became interested in the breed when he heard that they were faced with extinction.  He acquired a dog named Leao from a fisherman and set about a planned breeding programme and standardisation.  Leao became the founding father of the modern breed and was widely known for his intelligence, affection and temperamental (almost moody) nature.

The Portuguese Water Dog, Ria Formosa Natural Park from Algarve Retreats LtdThe breed standard asks for a dog that is “ very intelligent and tremendously energetic with great swimming and diving techniques”.   The dog should be well muscled, balanced, robust and resistant to fatigue.  The penetrating gaze that the dog is known for is said to have come from their ability to detect sharks by staring into the water.  The dog is also said to be able to jump from the sea into a boat, possible because of the strength in the shoulders, chest and legs. The PWD’s strong swimming ability is improved by their characteristic “webbed” feet – the toes are joined by a membrane which greatly aids power through the water.  The PWD is not a mild breed, strong willed due to their working heritage, friendly, they love to play, dig and chew but they Portuguese Water Dogs, Ria Formosa Natural Park from Algarve Retreats Ltdare extremely faithful to their owners and love to spend all their time with their master.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog, like most purebred dogs, has several known genetic health conditions. To ensure you are buying a healthy dog, do extensive research and find a reputable breeder through one of the national clubs, such as the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club. In-breeding, the indiscriminate breeding of related dogs, can lead to an increased manifestation of genetic disorders in the breed.

Some genetic health conditions that may affect Portuguese water dogs include:
Portuguese Water Dogs

* Hip dysplasia
* Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and ingrown eyelashes (Distichiasis)
* GM1 Storage Disease: this recessive, genetic disorder is caused by a deficiency of beta-galactosidase and is usually fatal. While possible, this condition has been nearly eliminated from the breed.
* Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy: this rare disease is caused by an autosomal recessive gene that affects young dogs who fall victim to heart failure. A genetic linkage test with a high degree of accuracy is now available to help breeders determine if their dogs carry the gene.
* Addison’s Disease: this malfunction of the adrenal glands is prevalent in the breed. The exact mode of inheritance is unclear but it is thought to be an autosomal recessive disorder. Addison’s disease is not often fatal but requires lifelong treatment.

While any dog may have the tendency to develop breed-specific medical conditions, this does not mean your dog will necessarily be diagnosed with them. One of the best things a pet owner can do for his dog is to visit a veterinarian regularly to monitor his health and take preventive measures to ensure his well being.

Portuguese Water Dog

Like all purebred dogs, PWDs are vulnerable to certain genetic defects. Some defects can include: hip dysplasia, cataracts, PRA, distichiasis, GM1 Storage Disease, and Juvenile Dilated Cardio-Myopathy. Careful checking of the breeding of the PWD’s parents can help to reduce the presence of these defects in thedog , and given the limited gene pool of the breed (due to the lack of prevalence of the breed), most of these defects are recessive in the breed.

Portuguese Water Dog

Vada has been GM-1 (Ganglyosidosis or Storage Disease) DNA tested at NYU and deemed Normal; meaning that she does not carry the gene and cannot pass it on. Storage Disease is a condition in which the liver and kidneys do not filter the poisons from the system, but send the poison to the brain, causing increasing lack of coordination and eventually death by about 9 months of age. There is no cure for Storage Disease, but it is a simple recessive gene and you would not breed two Carriers. Mykie was not DNA GM-1 tested because the test wasn’t available when she was of breeding age. At that time we had to rely on Dr. Bell’s Pedigree Analysis. She was originally rated as an “N-95” and after she had hr litter was re-rated a “L”, which means that she was litter-tested clear of the gene. Since she was no longer of breeding age, we felt the NYU test for her was unnecessary.

Portuguese Water Dog

Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy is an inherited, fatal disease seen in young dogs caused by a recessive gene. The disease can cause the sudden or rapid death of a puppy averaging between the ages of six weeks and seven months. In some cases, there are no physical signs or symptoms whatsoever while in others, signs including a loss of appetite, decreased energy level, vomiting and difficulty breathing may be seen 12 to 48 hours in advance. Sadly, there is no known cure or treatment at this time and no genetic testing is available. Prospective owners of breeds susceptible to this disease — the Portuguese Water Dog is one breed known to have this as a inherited disorder — should discuss this with Breeders and inquire if the disease has been produced within their breeding program or genetic lines of the dogs they are working with.