Portuguese Water Dog
Complete Breed Guide
"I just wanna love and be loved!"
Quick Facts About Portuguese Water Dogs
Working
35–60 lbs
17–23"
Yes
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
The Portuguese Water Dog have been getting their 15 minutes of fame as the First Family's dog, and it’s easy to understand why they chose this breed as their family’s companion. These cute and cuddly pups are water-loving canines that enjoy nothing more than being by your side and playing the day away.
The Portuguese Water Dog got their moment in the spotlight when they joined the Obamas as the first dog of their kind in the White House. With the breed’s kind, family-friendly nature, it’s easy to understand why the First Family chose one as their companion. Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their sweet personalities, curly coats, and love for the water. Families with allergies also love this dog because their soft coats don’t shed heavily, making them good pets for those with sensitive systems. All around, Portuguese Water Dogs make the perfect pals for kids, adults, and other pets in your family.
Temperament and Behavior
The Portuguese Water Dog’s outgoing and kind personality makes them a great fit for just about anyone looking for a good-natured friend. These dogs are happy, spirited, and social. They’re highly attached to their owners and known for bonding closely with one person in particular. These dogs are obedient and fairly quiet, but they have an interesting range of voices, including a loud breathy “laugh” that they use to greet people and share their emotion during playtime.
Coat & Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog has a coat of dense, circular curls or gentle waves with a light sheen. The most common colors are black, brown, white, black and white, or brown and white. Parti-color white and black coats are growing in popularity too. The curly-coated Portuguese Water Dog is usually clipped only at the tail, and the wavy-coated Portuguese Water Dog is usually clipped in a “lion cut” at the hindquarters and muzzle, with the rest of the coat growing to full length. No matter which type of coat they have, these dogs are not big shedders.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Portuguese Water Dogs are wonderful companions for adults and kids alike. They enjoy being friends with just about anyone, including other pets and animals. Their moderate size (typically 35-60 pounds) make Portuguese Water Dogs a good fit for a home or apartment. They crave human interaction and activity, though, so make sure you’re available to spend time with them and keep them busy. Because of their minimal shedding, this breed is also a good fit for people with allergies.
Exercise & Activity
The Portuguese Water Dog need mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis. This breed loves to swim and has a great time retrieving sticks or balls from the water (hence their aquatic name). They enjoy competing in agility trials or other dog sports as well. Portuguese Water Dogs are best suited for active people, so if you love getting outdoors and staying busy with a companion, this might be a good match for you.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Portuguese Water Dog FAQs
Common questions about the Portuguese Water Dog breed, answered by our editorial team.
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