Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium working breed from the coast of Portugal, bred to work alongside fishermen in the water — hardy, athletic and biddable.

History

It worked the Portuguese coast herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle and carrying messages between boats and shore, its waterproof curly coat suited to long days in the sea. As traditional fishing declined it found a second life as a companion and working dog.

Temperament

The breed is known for being intelligent, energetic and affectionate, closely bonded to its people and eager to work. It is lively and social, and needs an outlet for both body and mind.

Care and training

It needs plenty of exercise, ideally including swimming, and takes eagerly to training. The dense curly coat sheds little but needs regular grooming and clipping to stay in order.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited storage disease and, in some lines, a juvenile heart condition, several of which have DNA tests. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.