Portuguese Water Dog

also known as Cao De Agua, Portie, Water Dog, PWD

Pros History


The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as the Cao de Agua, is a breed of dog that has a long and rich history. Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, these dogs were used to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost equipment, and even deliver messages between boats. Their strong swimming abilities and loyalty made them valuable companions on the rough seas.

The origins of the Portuguese Water Dog can be traced back to the Algarve region of Portugal, where they were first bred by fishermen in the 12th century. These early dogs were known as "cao de agua" which means "dog of water" in Portuguese. They were bred for their strength, stamina, and swimming abilities, as well as their loyalty and intelligence.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Portuguese Water Dog played a vital role in the fishing industry. They were used to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost equipment, and even deliver messages between boats. Their strong swimming abilities made them ideal for these tasks, as they were able to navigate the rough seas with ease. Additionally, their loyalty and intelligence made them valuable companions to the fishermen, who often spent months at sea.

However, with the advent of modern fishing equipment, the need for the Portuguese Water Dog as a working breed began to decrease. By the 20th century, the breed had become nearly extinct. In the 1930s, a wealthy businessman named Vasco Bensaude began a breeding program to revive the breed. With the help of a few dedicated breeders, Bensaude was able to bring the Portuguese Water Dog back from the brink of extinction.

Today, the Portuguese Water Dog is a beloved companion breed. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. They make excellent family pets and are also used as therapy dogs and in search and rescue operations. They are also recognized by major kennel clubs such as the AKC and the UKC.

Breed Information


Type

Is Portuguese Water Dog a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Portuguese Water Dog name? How do you say Portuguese Water Dogs?

POR-chuh-geez WAH-tur dawg

Purpose

What were Portuguese Water Dogs originally used for?

fishing aid

Lifespan

How Long Do Portuguese Water Dogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Portuguese Water Dog? How long can Portuguese Water Dogs live?

10-14 years

The average Portuguese Water Dog lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Portuguese Water Dog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Portuguese Water Dog?

What is the average height of a Portuguese Water Dog? How big is a Purebred Portuguese Water Dog height? Portuguese Water Dog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-23 inches (50.8 - 58.4 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm)
Female 17-21 inches (43.2 - 53.3 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Portuguese Water Dog? How much should Portuguese Water Dogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 42-60 pounds (19 - 27 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg)
Female 35-50 pounds (16 - 23 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Portuguese Water Dogs get fat easily?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Portuguese Water Dog personality? What are Portuguese Water Dog dogs best known for?

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Shedding Level

Are Portuguese Water Dogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Shed?

Portuguese Water Dog will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Portuguese Water Dog dog?

Portuguese Water Dogs are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Portuguese Water Dog is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Portuguese Water Dogs come from?

Portugal

Ancestry

What are Portuguese Water Dogs descended from?

poodle

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Portuguese Water Dog breed?

American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Portuguese Water Dogs first bred? How old is the Portuguese Water Dog breed?

700 BC

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Portuguese Water Dog?

Working (AKC:1983)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Portuguese Water Dog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Portuguese Water Dog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Portuguese Water Dog nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Portuguese Water Dog coat be naturally?

Black
White
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Portuguese Water Dogs coat?

The coat of a Portuguese Water Dog dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Portuguese Water Dog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Portuguese Water Dog?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Portuguese Water Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Portuguese Water Dog have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Portuguese Water Dog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Portuguese Water Dogs have a lot of health problems?

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Portuguese Water Dog?

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Portuguese Water Dogs?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Portuguese Water Dog breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Portuguese Water Dog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Portuguese Water Dogs have a lot of energy?

Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Portuguese Water Dogs need socialization? How social are Portuguese Water Dogs?

Portuguese Water Dog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Portuguese Water Dogs get?

The Portuguese Water Dog dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Portuguese Water Dog have? Do Portuguese Water Dogs sleep a lot?

Portuguese Water Dogs are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Portuguese Water Dog drool a lot?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Portuguese Water Dog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Portuguese Water Dogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Portuguese Water Dog dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Portuguese Water Dogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Portuguese Water Dog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Portuguese Water Dog busy?

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Portuguese Water Dog? How much energy does a Portuguese Water Dog have?

High

Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Portuguese Water Dog walk each week? How many miles should a Portuguese Water Dog walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Water Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Portuguese Water Dog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Portuguese Water Dog need?

60 minutes

In general most Portuguese Water Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Portuguese Water Dog?

Weekly

Portuguese Water Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Portuguese Water Dogs?

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Portuguese Water Dog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 42-60 pound (19 - 27 kg) Portuguese Water Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Water Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Portuguese Water Dog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Portuguese Water Dog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Portuguese Water Dog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Portuguese Water Dog do well in apartments? Are Portuguese Water Dogs good indoor dogs?

The Portuguese Water Dog is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with kids? Are Portuguese Water Dogs good around children?

Portuguese Water Dogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Portuguese Water Dogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with cats? How friendly Portuguese Water Dogs are toward cats?

Portuguese Water Dogs are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Portuguese Water Dogs OK with other dogs?

Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Portuguese Water Dog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Portuguese Water Dogs friendly with strangers?

Portuguese Water Dogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Portuguese Water Dogs like to play? Are Portuguese Water Dogs playful?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Portuguese Water Dog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Portuguese Water Dog easily trained?

Portuguese Water Dog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cat Friendly
    Having a Portuguese Water Dog in the household can be compatible with having a cat as well.
  • Intelligent
    Easy to train and suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Boat Dog
    Many Portuguese Water Dog breed find pleasure in spending time on boats.
  • Active
    Loves participating in activities such as swimming and hiking
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a quieter dog, the Portuguese Water Dog breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Apartment living is suitable for a Portuguese Water Dog dog.
  • Lack of odor
    The Portuguese Water Dog has a minimal likelihood of having a bad smell.
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Portuguese Water Dogs may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Portuguese Water Dog in an office may not be ideal
  • Grooming
    Requires regular grooming, such as trimming and clipping of the coat