Portuguese Water Dog
Description
The Portuguese Water Dog is a sturdy, medium-large breed originally bred to assist fishermen along Portugal’s coast. Their long, curly or wavy coat comes in black, brown, or white, often with distinctive white markings. These dogs are strong swimmers with webbed feet, built for retrieving nets and messages from the water. They weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, with a muscular frame that supports their active lifestyle. This breed thrives on activity and mental challenges, excelling in obedience, agility, and water sports. They bond closely with their families and tend to be affectionate with children and other pets. Their moderate barking is usually purposeful rather than excessive. Portuguese Water Dogs require consistent engagement to stay happy and well-behaved, making them best suited for owners who can provide daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog’s long, wavy to curly coat sheds very little but mats easily, especially in moist conditions. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and comfortable. Brush or comb your dog 3 to 5 times per week, paying special attention to areas behind the ears and under the armpits where tangles form quickly. Light trims around the sanitary areas and feet between full grooms help maintain cleanliness and comfort. Bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is recommended, followed by thorough drying to prevent matting. A full professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks keeps the coat manageable and neat. Their coat colors—black, brown, or white with possible white markings—don’t require special stain management but do benefit from regular cleaning to keep the white areas bright. - Brush 3–5 times weekly - Focus on ears and armpits - Trim sanitary and feet lightly - Bathe every 3–6 weeks - Full groom every 4–6 weeks Pro tip: Use a slicker brush combined with a metal comb to gently detangle without damaging the coat.
Learn the Wavy routine:
→ Complete Wavy Grooming Guide
Walking
Portuguese Water Dogs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them engaged and prevent restlessness. Morning walks can be brisk and focused on physical exercise, while evening walks offer a chance for mental stimulation through varied routes or training exercises. This breed enjoys water access, so including a safe swimming spot can add valuable enrichment. Example routine: - Morning: 45 minutes brisk walk with fetch - Evening: 40 minutes relaxed walk with training cues Short walks won’t satisfy their drive. Consistency and variety keep them balanced and happy.
Boarding
When boarding a Portuguese Water Dog, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium-large build comfortably. These dogs benefit from two active play sessions daily, ideally involving water games or fetch to mimic their natural interests. Enrichment should include scent work and brain games to engage their sharp minds. Staff should note this breed’s social nature and need for interaction; isolation can lead to stress or boredom behaviors. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent routines. Offering toys that challenge problem-solving skills helps reduce anxiety and keeps them occupied. Regular access to water or swimming opportunities during playtime is a major plus for their well-being.