Always deserves the best.
Portuguese Water Dog
Weight
Male
19
- 27
kg
Female
16
- 23
kg
Length
Male
51
- 58
cm
Female
107
- 152
cm
Average lifespan
11
- 13
Years
About the Breed
The intelligent and highly trainable Portuguese Water Dog was originally developed as a versatile assistant to fishermen. Its strong, medium-sized body is covered with a dense coat of tight, low-shedding curls, perfectly suited for demanding water work. Energetic and athletic by nature, this breed thrives as an active companion, especially in aquatic environments.
Exceptionally smart and eager to please, the Portuguese Water Dog is known for its remarkable responsiveness to training. The breed can be groomed in two traditional styles: the retriever clip, in which the coat is trimmed evenly to about one inch with the tip of the tail left full, or the distinctive lion clip, where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is closely clipped, creating a bold and eye-catching appearance.
Exceptionally smart and eager to please, the Portuguese Water Dog is known for its remarkable responsiveness to training. The breed can be groomed in two traditional styles: the retriever clip, in which the coat is trimmed evenly to about one inch with the tip of the tail left full, or the distinctive lion clip, where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is closely clipped, creating a bold and eye-catching appearance.
Breed Traits
Affectionate with Family
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
How affectionate the breed is with family and familiar people; some are reserved except with their owner, while others are friendly with everyone they know.
Good with Young Children
Not Recommended
Good With Children
How patient the breed is with children and how family-friendly it is overall; always supervise around young kids or those unfamiliar with dogs.
Good with Other Dogs
Not Recommended
Good With Other Dogs
How friendly the breed is toward other dogs; while supervision is always needed, some breeds are naturally more comfortable around dogs at home and in public.
Shedding Level
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
How much shedding the breed typically has; heavier shedders need more brushing, may trigger allergies more, and require frequent cleaning to remove fur.
Coat Grooming Frequency
Monthly
Daily
How often the breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other coat care; consider your time, patience, and budget, and note that all breeds need regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
How prone the breed is to drooling; if you prefer cleanliness, breeds that leave noticeable slobber may not be a good fit.
Coat Type
Coat Length
Trainability Level
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
How trainable the breed is and how willing it is to learn; some aim to please their owners, while others are more strong-willed and prefer doing things their own way.
Energy Level
Couch Potato
High Energy
How much exercise and mental activity the breed needs; high-energy breeds stay active all day, while low-energy breeds are happy to relax and sleep.
Barking Level
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
How often the breed makes sounds like barking or howling; some are very vocal, others only in certain situations, and even quiet breeds may communicate in other ways.
Mental Stimulation Needs
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
How much mental stimulation the breed needs; working breeds often need challenges to stay engaged, or they may create their own (often unwanted) entertainment.
📚 Sources & references
The breed standard information is based on reliable references, with the content rephrased to suit the reader.
-
American Kennel Club (AKC)
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-water-dog/ -
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Water_Dog
🎯
Ready to start your journey?
Join thousands of pet owners and get complete, integrated pet health care.
Openness to Strangers
Playfulness Level
Protective Nature / Watchdog
Adaptability Level