Portuguese Water Dog

Developed along Portugal’s Algarve and Atlantic coast, the PWD worked on fishing boats for centuries: driving fish into nets, retrieving gear, couriering messages between vessels, and even guarding the catch. As mechanized fishing grew, numbers declined until fanciers revived the breed in the mid-20th century. The modern standard recognizes two coat types (curly and wavy) and two traditional clips (lion and retriever). The breed gained North American popularity in the late 20th century and is now a beloved performance and family dog while retaining its strong water instincts.

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A robust, medium-sized, web-footed swimmer with a single, water-resistant coat.

• Weight: 42–60 lb (male), 35–50 lb (female)
• Height: 20–23 in (male), 17–21 in (female)
• Coat Type: Single, dense; either curly or wavy (no undercoat)
• Coat Colors: Black, brown, or white; black-or-white, brown-and-white, and parti patterns occur
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Webbed feet, broad chest, strong loin, lively expression; traditionally clipped in lion or retriever clip

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Low-shedding does not mean low-maintenance—routine care keeps coats healthy and tangle-free.

• Brushing/Combing: 2–3×/week (daily for active swimmers) to prevent mats, especially behind ears, armpits, and tail base
• Professional Grooming: Every 4–6 weeks; choose lion or retriever clip
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or after salty/lake swims; rinse thoroughly
• Ear Care: Dry ears after swimming; clean weekly to reduce infection risk
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Low; loose hair is removed during grooming rather than shed heavily

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An energetic working dog that thrives with daily outlets on land and water.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes, including aerobic activity and training
• Ideal Activities: Swimming, dock diving, water-rescue sports, agility, hiking, jogging, fetch
• Suitability: Great for active families; apartments are possible with robust daily exercise and enrichment

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Highly intelligent, eager, and sometimes cheeky—make training upbeat and varied.

• Method: Positive reinforcement, food/toy rewards, short fun sessions
• Socialization: Early, broad exposure to people, dogs, novel surfaces and sounds
• Focus Areas: Polite greetings (they’re exuberant), impulse control, settle on mat, recall around water
• Mental Work: Nose work, trick chains, retrieve games, problem-solving toys

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Fuel the athlete while keeping a lean, swim-ready physique.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2–3 cups total, split into two meals (adjust for workload)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; use measured meals to prevent weight gain

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Look for health-tested lines and breeder support—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated breeders providing OFA/CAER results and DNA panels; ask about temperaments and water instincts
• Adoption: Portuguese Water Dog rescue organizations, sport-dog rescues, and local humane societies
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada; regional water-work and agility clubs in ON/BC/QC

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Generally healthy, but responsible breeding and screening matter.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia; eye disorders (PRA, cataracts); Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism); JDCM (juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy); historical GM1 storage disease (managed via DNA testing)
• Life Expectancy: 11–13 years
• Recommended Health Testing: Hips; ophthalmologist (CAER); DNA testing for PRA, JDCM, GM1; thyroid/adrenal monitoring as advised by your vet

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Are Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic?
They’re low-shedding and often better for allergy-sensitive homes, but no breed is truly hypoallergenic—meet one before committing.

How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, ideally with swimming or vigorous play plus training.

Do Portuguese Water Dogs bark a lot?
They’re expressive watchdogs; teach a “quiet” cue and provide adequate exercise to reduce nuisance barking.

What’s the difference between the lion clip and retriever clip?
Lion: hindquarters and muzzle clipped short, mane and tail plume left long (traditional for water work). Retriever: even length over the body for a tidy, athletic outline.

Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed?
Very little—hair grows continuously and is removed during grooming. Regular brushing prevents mats.

Are PWDs good with kids and other pets?
Yes—affectionate and playful with proper socialization; supervise around small children due to enthusiasm.

Can a Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
Yes, if you meet daily exercise and mental-stimulation needs; otherwise they may become noisy or restless.

What health tests should I ask a breeder about?
Hips, ophthalmologist (CAER), and DNA screening for PRA, JDCM, and GM1; ask about Addison’s awareness in the line.

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