Portuguese Water Dogs

The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed; the first written description of these dogs appeared in an account written by a monk in 1297. Portuguese Water Dogs are close relatives of another ancient breed, the poodle. It’s thought that modern Portuguese water dogs and poodles developed from the same genetic pool, with distinct historical paths separating the breeds in terms of personality, appearance, and temperament.

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Portuguese Water Dogs became close companions of humans early on thanks to their predisposition to life on the sea. They worked closely alongside Portuguese fishermen, swimming between boats to retrieve lost tackle and herd fish into nets. The “founding sire” of modern Portuguese water dogs was a dog named Leão owned by Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese businessman in the 1930s.

Portuguese Water Dogs were popularized in the U.S. in the early 1970s with the creation of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. While they’re still known for loving water, the dogs are revered today mostly for their friendliness as pets and their show worthy qualities.   

 

Portuguese Water Dogs are loving, independent, and intelligent and are easily trained in obedience, agility skills, water rescue, running, hiking, swimming, rally, tracking, water work, and hunting.  The Portuguese Water Dog can be an incredible companion, but it's important for prospective owners to prepare for its care needs. These dogs require considerable amounts of exercise and grooming, but thanks to their intelligence, they are usually very trainable and eager to please.  Portuguese Water Dogs have a hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat.  Their coat come in two styles, way and curly.  Portuguese Water Dogs come in Black or Brown with or without varying amounts of white. Portuguese Water Dogs have an incredible sense of humor  and are quite creative.  They know what they want and will try several ways to charm you into it.  Portuguese Water Dogs are generally good with other pets, children and enjoy being with their people.