Origin and Historical Role

The Portuguese Water Dog, known as the cão de água in Portuguese, originated from the Algarve region of Portugal. This breed was crucial to the fishing industry, where they were trained to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and act as couriers between ships and shore. These dogs rode in fishing trawlers, traveling from Portugal's Atlantic waters to the coast of Iceland, where they fished for cod. The breed's intelligence and versatility made them invaluable to fishermen, such as Joaquim da Fonseca, who was known to use these dogs for his fishing operations.

By the 1930s, the Portuguese Water Dog was on the brink of extinction. However, efforts by Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy shipping magnate, and other breeders helped re-establish the breed. His kennel, Algarbiorum, and his dog Leão were instrumental in preserving the breed's lineage. Bensaude's dedication to the breed is commemorated in the breed standard, which includes a clause that acknowledges his contribution to the preservation of the breed.

Breed Characteristics

The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, medium-sized working dog with a robust build and webbed feet, which are adaptations for their swimming abilities. They are known for their single coat of curly or wavy waterproof hair, which is a defining feature of the breed. The breed's coat can be curly or wavy, with the curly variety described as compact and cylindrical, and the wavy variety as gently falling in waves. This coat is designed to protect the dog from the elements and to keep them warm while swimming.

These dogs are intelligent, loyal, energetic, and eager to please. They have a life span of 11-13 years and come in various colors, including black, brown, black and white, and brown and white. The breed's color standards are outlined in the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, which also includes specific requirements for the coat texture and color distribution.

Male Portuguese Water Dogs typically stand at 51-58 cm tall and weigh 19-27 kg, while females are slightly smaller, reaching 43-53 cm in height and weighing 16-23 kg.

Coat Types and Grooming

Their coat can be curly or wavy, with the curly variety described as compact and cylindrical, and the wavy variety as gently falling in waves. The grooming of a Portuguese Water Dog's coat is a significant aspect of ownership. The lion cut and retriever cut are two popular grooming styles. The lion cut involves shaving the hindquarters, muzzle, and base of the tail, with a flag of hair left on the tail, while the retriever cut is shorter and evenly distributed over the body. These grooming styles not only serve aesthetic purposes but also help manage the coat's shedding and matting.

Professional grooming is often recommended for Portuguese Water Dogs, as the process can be time-consuming and requires specific knowledge of the breed's coat. The cost of grooming can vary, but it is an essential part of owning a Portuguese Water Dog, with an average cost of $50 to $100 per grooming session.

Temperament and Behavior

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their friendly nature and intelligence. They are easily trained in obedience and agility and excel in various service dog roles, including hearing dogs, mobility dogs, and seizure response dogs. These dogs are highly social and bond closely with their owners, often forming a strong, almost symbiotic relationship. They are known to be excellent family pets, as they are playful and affectionate with children and other pets.

While they are generally quiet, they will bark to warn of strangers or communicate their desires to their owners. This bark is often described as a "water dog bark," which is a high-pitched, clear sound. They may also engage in expressive panting or whining, especially when excited or seeking attention. This behavior is a result of their strong connection to their owners and their desire to please.

Health Considerations

Like all purebred dogs, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to certain genetic defects. Hip dysplasia is a concern, but the risk can be reduced through careful breeding practices. This condition is characterized by malformed hip joints, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) provides hip dysplasia ratings for Portuguese Water Dogs, which can be a valuable tool for potential owners.

Eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also common, with DNA testing available to identify carriers of the progressive retinal atrophy gene.

Other health issues include ingrown eyelashes, GM1 storage disease, and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy. All breeding stock should be tested for these conditions to minimize the risk of passing them on to offspring.

Reputation and Popularity

The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed, with only 36 entering Great Britain's Crufts competition in 2013. Despite some breeders' claims of hypoallergenic qualities, there is no scientific evidence to support this. However, the breed has gained popularity, especially after being chosen by US President Barack Obama. Their non-shedding coats and intelligence have made them appealing to many dog owners, including celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Despite their rarity, the breed has gained popularity, especially after being chosen by US President Barack Obama. Their non-shedding coats and intelligence have made them appealing to many dog owners, including celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Jake Gyllenhaal. Early US breeders, such as Deyanne Miller and Raymond Burr, played a significant role in establishing the breed in the United States. Miller was instrumental in bringing the breed to the United States and was recognized for her contributions to the breed's development.

Buying a Portuguese Water Dog

• Ensure the breeder has a good reputation and is knowledgeable about the breed. Reputable breeders will be transparent about the dog's health history and genetic testing.
• Ask about the dog's health history and any genetic testing performed. The breeder should be able to provide documentation of hip dysplasia ratings, eye examinations, and other relevant health screenings.
• Visit the breeder's facility to see how the dogs are treated and housed. A responsible breeder will provide a clean, safe environment for their dogs.
• Consider the dog's energy level and whether it matches your lifestyle.
• Understand the costs associated with owning a Portuguese Water Dog. In addition to the initial purchase price, there are ongoing costs for grooming, veterinary care, and food.
• Join breed-specific clubs or organizations for support and resources. These groups can provide valuable information and networking opportunities for new owners.