Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Profile
Portuguese Water Dogs hail from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. It is there that the breed was taught to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. It is believed to have influenced the creation of several breeds of dogs, including the Newfoundland and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Temperament
Portuguese Water dogs are caring, independent, and intelligent and are receptive to training in obedience and agility They are typically welcoming to strangers, and enjoy being petted, which, due to their soft, fluffy coats, is something that human beings find very enticing.
Color & Coat
Coat: PWDs have a single-layered coat that does not shed. They come in two types of coat: a curly coat and a wavy coat. Many dogs have mixed hair patterns: curly all over the body but wavy on the tail and ears.
Color: In Portugal the breed standard does not allow more than 30% white markings. Overall, white is the least common Portuguese Water Dog color, while black with white markings on the chin (“milk chin”) and chest is the most common color.
Health
Like poodles, PWDs are vulnerable to hip dysplasia, congenital and developmental problem with the hip joints.