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Characteristics, History, and Health
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, or Cão de Água Português in Portuguese, is a working breed that was bred for a life along the coast of Portugal. The breed has a rich history dating back to over 700 years. It was initially developed to work with fishermen along the coast of Portugal, herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and carrying messages between ships or to the shore. Their exceptional swimming abilities and strength made them valuable assets to Portuguese fishermen. By the mid-20th century, the breed was nearing extinction due to the modernization of fishing practices. However, a wealthy Portuguese businessman named Vasco Bensaude had a strong interest in the breed and is credited with its survival. He bred Portuguese Water Dogs and sought to standardize their appearance, laying the foundation for the modern breed.
Main Info
- Origin
- Portugal
- Alternate Names
- Algarvian Water Dog, Portuguese Fishing Dog, Cão de Água Português, Portie, PWD
- Life Expectancy
- 11-13 years
- Average Male Height
- 20-23 inches
- Average Female Height
- 17-21 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 42-60 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 35-50 pounds
- Coat Length
- Long
- Coat Type
- Wavy, Curly
- Coat Colors
- Black, Brown, White
- Coat Pattern
- White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Portuguese Water Dogs can suffer from juvenile cardiomyopathy, GM1 (gangliosidosis) storage disease, distichiasis, Addison's Disease, hip dysplasia, chondrodystrophy (with or without chondrodysplasia), alopecia, and progressive retinal atrophy. They may also suffer from seizures and irritable bowel syndrome.
Personality and Behavior
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their intelligence, energy, and affinity for water. They are highly trainable and do well in various dog sports like obedience, agility, and water trials. They are also great companions, being affectionate with their families and generally good with children and other pets.
Their high energy levels and intelligence mean they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially destructive. They are not a breed for sedentary owners; they need plenty of exercises and enjoy being active participants in their human families' lives.
Fun Facts
Portuguese Water Dogs have webbed feet, which aid in their powerful swimming.
They have a unique non-shedding coat, which makes them popular among people with allergies.
One of the most famous Portuguese Water Dogs is Bo, who was the First Dog of the United States during Barack Obama's presidency.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-water-dog/ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_portuguese_water_dog https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/192/ https://www.ukcdogs.com/portuguese-water-dog https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/PORTUGUESE-WATER-DOG-37.html
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