Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog, known in Portugal as the Cao de Agua Portugues (literally the Dog of Water of Portugal), is a medium-sized, athletic and curly or wavy-coated working breed developed over several centuries by Portuguese fishing communities along the Atlantic coast to assist the fishing fleets in a remarkable range of water-related tasks, including retrieving tackle and nets from the water, herding fish into nets, carrying messages between boats, and guarding boats and catches in port. The breed's exceptional swimming ability - enabled by its strong, muscular build, webbed feet and water-resistant coat - and its high intelligence and trainability made it an invaluable working partner for the fishing communities of the Algarve and the Portuguese coast. The breed's numbers declined dramatically in the twentieth century as mechanised fishing reduced the need for working dogs on fishing vessels, but dedicated preservation efforts from the mid-twentieth century onwards, particularly by the Portuguese shipping magnate Vasco Bensaude, saved the breed from extinction. The Portuguese Water Dog is registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, robustly built and slightly compact dog with either a wavy or tightly curled low-shedding coat in black, white, brown or combinations thereof. The webbed feet are a functional working feature. The coat was traditionally styled in the working lion clip - the hindquarters and muzzle shaved closely, leaving the forward body and head in full coat with a pompom on the tail tip - though most companion dogs today are maintained in a practical shorter clip throughout. Adults typically stand 43 to 57 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 16 to 25 kilograms.

The character is alert, energetic, affectionate and deeply connected to its handler - a working breed that thrives on activity, purpose and engagement with its people. The Portuguese Water Dog is good with children, sociable with other dogs and devoted and loyal to its household. It is not a passive or low-key companion; it is an athletic dog that needs genuine daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain settled and content.

Training is exceptionally rewarding. The breed is highly intelligent, willing and responsive to positive reward-based methods, capable of advanced obedience, agility, water work and nose work. The intelligence that makes it a pleasure to train also means it needs consistent mental engagement.

Health considerations are important. Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA testing is essential. Hip Dysplasia testing is strongly recommended. Storage Disease (GM1 Gangliosidosis) DNA testing of both parents is also required by responsible breeders.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,500 to £3,000. Monthly running costs average £100 to £160. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Alert, energetic, affectionate and deeply engaged with its handler. Good with children and sociable with other dogs. Devoted and loyal to its household. Playful and active - not a passive companion. The working background means the breed is at its best with purpose and activity. One of the most rewarding active family breeds.

Highly intelligent and very trainable - one of the most capable and willing of all working breeds in training contexts. Responds enthusiastically to positive reinforcement. Excels in obedience, agility, water work and nose work. The working intelligence requires genuine mental engagement. Early socialisation and consistent training from puppyhood produce an exceptional companion.

Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Swimming is natural and excellent exercise. The working background produces a dog with genuine stamina and the capacity for sustained activity. Mental stimulation through training, water work and retrieving is important alongside physical exercise.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) is a significant hereditary condition and DNA testing of both parents is essential. Hip Dysplasia testing is strongly recommended. Storage Disease (GM1 Gangliosidosis) is a rare but serious neurological condition documented in the breed and DNA testing of parents is recommended. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Great Britain maintains comprehensive health testing requirements.

Feed a high-quality complete food for an active medium breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight. The breed is lean and muscular and should be fed to support activity level.

The low-shedding wavy or curly coat requires brushing three to four times weekly to prevent matting and professional clipping every 6 to 8 weeks. The coat grows continuously. The working lion clip is traditional but most pet owners maintain a practical shorter length throughout.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,500 to £3,000. Monthly running costs: £100 to £160.

Suits active families or individuals who can provide substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. Good with children and sociable. The working background means the breed needs a genuine activity outlet to remain content. Adaptable to family life when well exercised. The grooming commitment is ongoing.