What is a Portuguese Water Dog?

  • Author : Admin
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  • Blog Category :
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  • Created on 03-28-2022

A Portuguese Water Dog is a hypoallergenic dog breed that is literally originally bred in Portugal and loves the water. Hailing from Portugal's Algarve region, they are referred to as a "working dog" by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and you can depend on their obedience and loyalty. From there the breed expanded to all around Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. They are considered excellent family members and love the energy of a busy home with children.

The Portuguese Water Dog has webbed feet, like a duck, which makes them excellent natural swimmers. They are very active and would enjoy long days playing with their family in the water. If your family loves the water, then a Portuguese Water Dog is the right choice for you and your family.

Portuguese Water Dogs are also referred to as porties. Porties have a multi-octave bark that is sure to get everyone’s attention. They are known to be quiet dogs but will become protective of their families and will let out exceptionally loud barks.

 

Main Characteristics of the Portuguese Water Dog or Portie

HEIGHT

17 to 21 inches (female) / 20 to 23 inches (male)

WEIGHT

35 to 50 pounds (female) / 40 to 60 pounds (male)

LIFE SPAN

11 to 13 years

BREED SIZE

medium (26-60 lbs.)

GOOD WITH

Children, seniors, dogs, cats, and families

TEMPERAMENT

friendly outgoing playful

INTELLIGENCE

high

SHEDDING AMOUNT

Infrequent, considered hypoallergenic

EXERCISE NEEDS

high

ENERGY LEVEL

Very high (If you’re training for a competition, then this is your workout partner.)

BARKING LEVEL

when necessary, and loud when needed

DROOL AMOUNT

Very low to none

BREED GROUP

working

COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE

medium curly

COLORS

black

white

brown / chocolate / liver

PATTERNS

bicolor

tricolor

black and tan

OTHER TRAITS

hypoallergenic

easy to train and exceptionally smart like their cousin the poodle

tendency to chew (buy lots of chewy toys and treats)

loves water, loves to swim

apartment-friendly

cold weather tolerant

hot weather tolerant

excellent for first-time pet owners

great hiking companion

 

If you’re looking for a great Portuguese Water Dog, then visit pupcentral.com today! They offer a wide range of excellent family dogs including, you guessed it, The Portuguese Water Dog.