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.