Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog sporting a Lion Cut

[[File:Cão de agua Português 1.jpg|White is one of the less-common colours among PWDs. [[File:White and Black Portuguese Water Dogs.jpg|Two parti-colored Portuguese Water Dogs, female curly in front and male wavy at rear [[File:Portugueuse Water Dog in snow.jpg|Black and white wavy [[File:Portuguese Water Dog in NYC.jpg|Image of PWD

Portuguese Water Dogs are active and well-suited to many dog sport

A Portuguese Water Dog in his native land, the Algarve

US President Barack Obama

Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água Português) is a breed of working dog as classified by the American Kennel Club. Originating from Portugal, these dogs were bred to assist fishermen by herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and acting as couriers from ship to shore. They are known for their swimming ability, intelligence, and loyalty.

History

The Portuguese Water Dog has its roots in the Algarve region of Portugal. From there, they spread along the coast and were used by fishermen throughout the country. The breed almost faced extinction in the early 20th century due to the modernization of the fishing industry and a decline in traditional fishing methods. However, efforts by breed enthusiasts in Portugal helped to revive the breed during the mid-20th century.

Characteristics

Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized with a robust build, known for their non-shedding coat which makes them a popular choice for people with allergies. Their coat can be either wavy or curly and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, and brown. They are known for their webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers.

Temperament

These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and responsive to obedience training. They are known for their loyalty and are often strongly attached to their human families, making them excellent companions. However, their high energy levels and intelligence mean they require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

Health

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and GM1 storage disease, a genetic disorder. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and preventive measures are important to ensure a healthy life.

Care

Due to their energetic nature, Portuguese Water Dogs require regular exercise, including swimming and long walks. Their coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting, especially for dogs with curly coats. Early socialization and obedience training are recommended to harness their intelligence and energy positively.

In Popular Culture

The breed gained significant attention when Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, was chosen by President Barack Obama and his family as the First Dog of the United States in 2009. This choice was partly due to the breed's hypoallergenic qualities, necessary due to Malia Obama's allergies.

See Also

• Working Dog
• Dog Breeds
• Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds