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| Breed: Portuguese Water Dog |
| Also Called: Cao de Agua |
| Height: The Portuguese Water Dog is about 17-23 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Portuguese Water Dog weighs between 35-60 lbs. |
| Colors: The Portuguese Water Dog can be black, white, and various tones of brown; also combinations of black or brown with white. |
| General Appearance: The Portuguese Water Dog was known for centuries along Portugal's coast. This seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. He is a loyal companion and alert guard. This highly intelligent utilitarian breed is distinguished by two coat types, either curly or wavy; an impressive head of considerable breadth and well proportioned mass; a ruggedly built, well-knit body; and a powerful, thickly based tail, carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder. The Portuguese Water Dog provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness. |
| Temperment: The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, rugged, and robust dog who loves to work outdoors. Very resistant to fatigue. He needs people, thrives as a member of the family and will prove himself to be trustworthy. He is an energetic dog who loves to be the center of attention. |
| Care: Portuguese Water Dogs need regular brushing and combing of their coat. Weekly cleaning of their ears, especially after swimming. |
| Health Concerns: |
| Training: Portuguese Water Dogs like to work and are easy to train, they thrive in obedience training. They need consistent training with the right tone of voice because are very sensitive. |
| Activity: Portuguese Water Dogs need ample exercise which should consist of free exercise, daily walks or swimming. |
| Life Span: The Portuguese Water Dog lives an average life of 10-14 years. |
| Litter Size: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average litter of 4-8 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal. |
| Brief History: The Portuguese Water Dog once existed all along Portugal's coast, where it was taught to herd fish into the nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as a courier from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught saltwater codfish to bring home. Known in Portugal as Cao de Agua meaning "Dogs of Water". |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), UKC |
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