Portuguese Water Dogs: Loyal and Hard-Working Companions

Portuguese Water Dogs are medium to large-sized dogs. Females can reach up to 21 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Males are slightly larger, standing as tall as 23 inches and weighing up to 60 pounds. Their coats, often black or brown, may have white patches. While white-coated Parties exist, they are less common. These dogs’ striking appearance, coupled with their athletic build, makes them stand out wherever they go.

Porties trace their origins back to Portugal, where they helped fishermen by driving fish into nets, retrieving gear, and swimming between boats. They are believed to be distant relatives of the Poodle. Once essential to fishing communities, the breed nearly vanished in the 20th century. Thankfully, a dedicated dog enthusiast worked to preserve them, leading to their recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1983.

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their playful, energetic, and loving nature. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. While individual temperaments may vary, most Porties enjoy making their owners laugh and thrive on companionship. They exemplify the qualities of a loyal and affectionate family dog.

Porties have a single coat, which can be either curly or wavy. Without an undercoat, they shed less than many other breeds, though they are not completely hypoallergenic. Popular grooming styles include the “lion clip,” where the body is clipped short, and the face and tail tuft are left long, and the “retriever cut,” where the coat is kept about an inch long all over. Brushing twice a week and monthly clipping help maintain their coat’s health and appearance.

These dogs adore water activities. After swimming, it’s important to rinse their coat with fresh water to remove any residue and prevent skin irritation. Their ears should be dried thoroughly to avoid infections. Positive reinforcement works best during training, as repetition without reward can bore these intelligent dogs. Keeping training sessions engaging and rewarding ensures their attention and progress.

Despite their active nature, Porties are house dogs. They love spending time with their families and do not enjoy being left outside for long. Daily exercise is essential, with at least an hour of activity like swimming, walking, or playing fetch. While a fenced yard is ideal for running around, Porties can adapt to apartment living as long as they get sufficient exercise.

When adopting a Portuguese Water Dog, choose a reputable breeder who provides health clearances for the puppy’s parents. Common concerns include hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Some Parties may develop storage disease, a rare metabolic disorder detectable through DNA testing. To reduce the risk of inherited health issues, responsible breeders only breed dogs over the age of two.

Parties make excellent family pets and are especially great with children. However, their playful and rambunctious nature may be overwhelming for small kids, so supervision is advised. They are wonderful jogging or walking partners and, unsurprisingly, love swimming. Be mindful of their strong chewing tendencies by keeping valuable items out of reach and providing appropriate chew toys.

Portuguese Water Dogs generally get along well with other pets, particularly when raised together. When introducing a new pet, supervise interactions carefully, as Porties can be excitable. They are usually friendly but should be monitored around smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs to ensure the safety for all pets.

Early socialization is crucial for Portie puppies to help them adjust to being around other dogs and people. Since they love to chew, training should start early to teach them what’s acceptable to gnaw on. Getting them used to grooming practices, like brushing and clipping, at a young age makes the process easier as they grow.