Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog dog

Athletic working dog bred to assist fishermen along the Portuguese coast.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 35 - 60 lbs 17 - 23 inches 11 - 13 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Portugal



Own a Portuguese Water Dog? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Portuguese Water Dog? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.

The Portuguese Water Dog developed along the coast of Portugal as a practical working partner for fishermen. Before modern communications and mechanized fishing equipment, these strong swimming dogs performed a remarkable range of jobs around boats. They could retrieve lost tackle and objects from the water, carry messages between boats or from ship to shore, and help with fishing work. Their dense, water-resistant coats and powerful swimming ability suited a life spent around the Atlantic. Changes in commercial fishing during the 20th century made many of these jobs obsolete, and the breed declined dramatically. Portuguese businessman Vasco Bensaude played an important role in its preservation after acquiring a working dog named Leão during the 1930s. Leão became an influential foundation dog and was used as the model for an early breed standard. A small group of enthusiasts maintained the breed, which later attracted attention outside Portugal. Portuguese Water Dogs arrived in the United States in the second half of the 20th century and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1983. Their modern success as companions and performance dogs helped rescue a breed whose original occupation had nearly disappeared.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Portuguese Water Dog tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Portuguese Water Dog generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Portuguese Water Dog tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Portuguese Water Dog generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Portuguese Water Dog generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Portuguese Water Dog generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.