Portuguese Water Dog: A Fisherman
The Portuguese Water Dog, as you can imagine, is a similar breed to the Spanish Water Dog. It is one of the breeds of the Iberian Peninsula and may be the dog that loves water the most among all.
History of the Portuguese Water Dog
The origins of this breed date back to the Middle Ages, although we do not know exactly where it came from. It is known that, for many centuries, he accompanied the fishermen of the Algarve.
Along with fishermen, he performed different jobs, but we don’t know what happened before and how this breed got there.
The Portuguese water dog worked alongside the fishermen, accompanying them or helping them to collect things that fell into the water.
It was also used to hunt waterfowl and to retrieve prey dropped from rivers or lakes.
After so many generations interacting with water and having such different occupations, it ended up having unique characteristics.
Two examples are their moisture resistant fur and their taste for water.
Portuguese Water Dog Characteristics
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium sized dog that weighs between 20 and 25 kilos. It has a square look and harmonious proportions.
They measure about 50 centimeters crosswise, so neither too short nor too high.
However, the overall appearance of this breed is robust and massive, due to its fur. The Portuguese water dog’s fur is curly and long. So, at first glance, it looks bulkier than it is.
Also, your cloak has only one layer of fur and it can be a single color: black, brown, or white. Or even a combination of two of these colors.
It has a broad head and nose, although its lips are firm. It has ears that droop to the sides of its head, although they are not long or overly large.
They have round, small and expressive eyes. The tail is long and straight, and at rest it almost falls between the legs.
Portuguese Water Dog Behavior
There are two characteristics that define the character of the Portuguese water dog: its love for water and its intelligence.
Two qualities that have remained in the breed, even though they no longer work on the coast and are now companion dogs.
Therefore, the Portuguese water dog is very sociable and friendly with other dogs and, also, with humans.
It is one of the breeds that usually get along well with children, as they are always willing to participate in games.
However, their fur can prevent their communication from being well understood, so an adult should always be monitoring these interactions.
Dogs of this breed have a great appreciation for water and will be happy bathing in a river or the sea, but also in puddles.
They can live happily in a city, but they need several quality walks a day to expend energy.
The Portuguese Water Dog is extremely intelligent. In fact, they are seen in agility competitions and other canine sports.
It’s easy to teach them new orders, thanks to their willingness to work. Remember, positive training will make your advancements faster and more reliable.
Beware of the Portuguese Water Dog
The majority of care for the Portuguese water dog is dedicated to its fur: fortunately, the fur is not difficult to care for, but it must be untangled regularly.
This is to avoid skin pain or irritation. You should wash it with a special shampoo, which will help your curls stay healthy and hydrated.
In relation to its health status, the water dog generally does not suffer from relevant genetic diseases.
However, there are common diseases in dogs with their physical characteristics: hip or elbow dysplasia and gastric torsion must be taken into account.
Therefore, a veterinarian must make frequent checks and decide if preventive treatments are needed.
Due to their floppy ears, it is necessary to maximize the hygiene in the ears of the Portuguese water dog.
Dogs with droopy ears are at greater risk of infections or fungi, but, in addition, because this breed interacts a lot with water, it has a greater risk of suffering from these problems.
As we have seen, the Portuguese water dog is an intelligent, friendly and active breed. They are generally well behaved and it is very easy to teach them new things.
Take advantage of all this potential playing with your dog and he will live happily for many years.
