The Portuguese
Water Dog has been bred for centuries as a working dog and companion
for Portuguese coastal fisherman as a loyal retriever, net handler,
and fish "herder".
Today, the
breed affectionately known as the Portie or PWD
is well-regarded for its playful temperament and dynamic personality.
Like the poodle,
it is a single-coat breed that sheds little, benefiting families
or children with allergies to pet dander. For these reasons, the
Portuguese Water Dog has been chosen by President Barack
Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia, as America's "First
Dog."
Portuguese
Water Dog behavior & personality
Bred as a
practical working dog, the Portie is genetically predisposed to following
commands.
However, while they love retrieving the daily newspaper
(or better still, a frisbee), be prepared for a test of wills
if a particular command offends the Portie's highly developed
intellect. Training this dynamic dog can be frustrating at times,
but ultimately rewarding.
Loyal and
loving to their masters, they make excellent watchdogs and are
usually great with kids.
Be warned, however, that supervision
is highly recommended around younger children, as Porties may
be a bit too rambunctious for toddlers. A
warning to friends and neighbors may be in order, too, since Portuguese
Water Dogs are known for their unbridled enthusiasm when meeting
and greeting a friendly face at the front door.
True to its
name, the Portuguese Water Dog has a love of the water that is
legendary and will always enjoy puddle-jumping out in the rain
or a nice jump into a nearby lake.
Care &
health
The
Portuguese Water Dog
in its natural element.
Although the
Portuguese Water Dog sheds little, its thick coat tends to mat
if not regularly brushed.
Exercise is
very important to this breed, so be prepared for long walks in
the park or frequent trips around a local dog run to help them
release some of that pent-up energy.
Health issues
typical to the breed include eye diseases and heart ailments although
hip dysplasia remains the most common health concern which, if not
caught in time, may lead to permanent crippling of the back legs.
More information about Portuguese Water Dogs around the Web:
Portuguese
Water Dog Club of America
- PWD central - with information on feeding, grooming, exercise
and training tips, advice on purchasing or adopting a puppy, a
discussion on health concerns, with photo gallery and detailed
FAQ.
Portuguese
Water Dogs - Wikipedia-
Complete information on the breed including history, breeding,
personality and temperament, health & care concerns, with
related references and resources.