Portuguese Water Dogs are a medium-sized breed, most weighing 35 and 60 pounds and standing around 17 to 23 inches tall. Males typically stand 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 42 to 60 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, usually standing 17 to 21 inches tall and weighing 35 to 50 pounds.

The Portuguese Water Dog is usually all black, though they can sometimes be brown and/or white.

No, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed. While that may sound like good news, grooming a Portuguese Water Dog can be time-consuming, as their curly, dense coat requires consistent attention to prevent matting. Regular brushing will help keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Portuguese Water Dogs have a single-layered coat of hair that is dense and curly. It requires regular grooming to maintain its health and prevent matting.

The Portuguese Water Dog was originally bred to assist fishermen by herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle or broken nets, and acting as couriers from ship to shore. Now, “Porties,” or “PWDs,” are beloved as companions for active individuals and families for their enthusiasm and energy, as well as their friendly and affectionate natures. Embrace the adventurous spirit and loving disposition of the Portuguese Water Dog, and welcome a loyal, playful friend who will bring a splash of happiness to your life.

Portuguese Water Dogs live 11 to 13 years. Individual lifespans vary, of course, and can be improved with proper care, diet, and exercise. Provide regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle to help ensure a long and happy life for your Portuguese Water Dog.

Portuguese Water Dogs stop growing between 12 and 18 months of age. It’s critical to provide them with proper nutrition and exercise during this initial growth period to support their healthy development and growth stages.

Portuguese Water Dogs are from (you guessed it) Portugal, where they were bred to assist fishermen. Their history working in the salty seas surrounding Portugal can be traced back to pre-Christian times.

No, Portuguese Water Dogs are not natural guard dogs. They are more interested in making friends than guarding property, though they may alert you to the presence of strangers with their barking.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are typically good with kids. Affectionate, playful, and energetic, these pups may be a touch too rambunctious for small children, though they make wonderful companions to active, older kids. Pet parents need to train Portuguese Water Dogs (and dogs of any breed) to behave gently with children and vice-versa. As with any breed, it’s important to supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure a safe and positive relationship.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are easy to train. Intelligent, quick learners, and eager to please, this breed understands complex commands and excels as hearing-assistance dogs.

However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Portuguese Water Dogs in particular can be independent and require a positive, gentle trainer. Consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training a Portuguese Water Dog. With the right approach, they can excel in obedience training, agility, and other activities.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs can be left alone, but only for short periods of time. With such social and affectionate natures, it’s not recommended to leave them alone for extended periods on a regular basis. If left alone for too long, Portuguese Water Dogs can become anxious or bored, which could lead to behavioral issues such as excessive barking or destructive behavior. If you need to leave your Portuguese Water Dog alone, provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation before you leave, as well as toys and activities to keep them occupied while you’re away. Additionally, consider enlisting the help of a dog walker or pet sitter if you anticipate being away for an extended period of time.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are active and energetic dogs. Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, they have a strong work ethic and love physical activity. This breed requires regular exercise to keep them stimulated. Activities such as swimming, running, playing fetch, and agility training are great ways to keep a Portuguese Water Dog happy and healthy. If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, a Portuguese Water Dog could be a great companion for you.

No, Portuguese Water Dogs aren’t the best apartment dogs. Known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise, a small apartment may not be the ideal environment for them. These dogs thrive in homes with access to outdoor space where they can run and play. If you live in an apartment, make sure you can provide your Portuguese Water Dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help meet their needs in a smaller living space.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs can be a good fit for a first-time pet parent dedicated to consistent training, exercise, and socialization. As intelligent, affectionate, and loyal companions as they are, Portuguese Water Dogs are also exuberant and energetic, with high needs for mental and physical stimulation. Consider the breed’s requirements and characteristics, as well as the realities of your own lifestyle, before bringing one home. Proper research, preparation, and commitment are key factors in successfully caring for a Portuguese Water Dog as a first-time parent.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs like to cuddle. They are affectionate and loving companions, loyal and devoted, and seek close physical contact with their human family members. Many Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy snuggling up with their loved ones for warmth and comfort, making them great cuddle buddies.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are very smart. With excellent problem-solving abilities, quick learning skills, and high adaptability, Portuguese Water Dogs are well-suited for various activities and training tasks. With proper mental stimulation and training, Portuguese Water Dogs can dazzle and delight their pet parents with their smart and clever natures.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are good with other dogs. They are known to be friendly, sociable, and playful, which encourages positive relationships with other pups. As with any breed, individual personalities and temperaments vary, so monitor their interactions and provide guidance as needed to ensure harmonious relationships with other dogs.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs can get along well with cats. Of course each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, and some Portuguese Water Dogs may have a higher prey drive than others. Supervise interactions to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets. In general, you can feel confident your Portuguese Water Dog and cat should get along well.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. With their friendly, loyal natures, keen intelligence, and loads of energy, they are a fun and engaging addition to active families. They require daily mental and physical stimulation, responsiveness to their natural enthusiasm, and an appreciation for their independent, opinionated nature.

No, Portuguese Water Dogs don’t bark a lot. Their voices, however quiet, are unique; their distinctive bark spans a multi-octave range. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic. Their single-layer, curly coat doesn’t shed, leading to less dander and fewer allergens in the air. No dog breed, however, is completely hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce some level of dander and saliva that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Spend time around a Portuguese Water Dog before bringing one into your home to see how you or your family members react to their dander. Regular grooming and bathing can also help minimize allergens in the home.

Portuguese Water Dogs are a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan, but they are prone to certain genetic disorders given near-extinction in the 1930s and a limited gene pool:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. 

• Eye problems: Portuguese Water Dogs may develop glaucoma, a disease that causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve, and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness.

• Gangliosidosis: This genetic disorder is caused by an enzyme deficiency. The deficiency affects the nervous system and may cause tremors, odd gait, and involuntary eye movements. This condition is progressive and eventually results in death, but there are screenings available.

• Others: Portuguese Water Dogs may also develop gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen, as well as ear infections due to their floppy ears.