Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, intelligent working dog originally bred to assist fishermen on the Portuguese coast. They are known for their waterproof curly or wavy coat, webbed feet, and love of swimming. They became famous as the Obama family's White House dog.
Key Stats
Weight
35-60 lbs
Height
17-23"
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Energy
5/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
Portuguese Water Dogs worked for centuries as fishermen's assistants along the Portuguese coast. They herded fish into nets, retrieved tackle, and carried messages between boats. The breed nearly went extinct but was revived in the 1930s. The AKC recognized them in 1983.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual dogs may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Physical Traits
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Portuguese Water Dog owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 60+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- GM1 Gangliosidosis
- Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Portuguese Water Dog
Grooming
daily
Exercise
60+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Portuguese Water Dog
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with variety. They learn quickly and need mental challenges. They love to work and need jobs to do. Keep training interesting and engaging.
Training Tips
- Highly trainable
- Use positive reinforcement
- They love to work
- Keep training varied
- Excellent for many activities
Common Challenges
- High energy - need significant exercise
- Need mental stimulation
- Can be mouthy as puppies
- May be too energetic for sedentary owners
Is a Portuguese Water Dog Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train dog
- You have other dogs
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy dog
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic. They have a single-layer coat that doesn't shed. Their hair grows continuously and needs regular clipping. No dog is truly hypoallergenic.