About the Breed  

Historically the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) was the prized guard and companion of fishermen of costal Portugal, known for being a spirited working dog of medium athletic build and possessing an independent, intelligent nature. The PWD was first described by a monk in 1297. He wrote of a dying sailor who was brought out of the sea by a dog having a "black coat of rough hair, cut to the first rib and with a tuft on the tip of his tail”. Due to the historical description of the hair clip, many writings describe the breed as a Lion Dog. In Portugal, the breed is called Cão de Água (Cão' means 'dog', 'de Água' means 'of water'). Working for the fishermen required that PWDs be excellent swimmers that were able to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear, act as message couriers between boats or from boat to shore, and guard over boats and equipment.  

For more information about all things PWD, check the national club, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) website. www.pwdca.org

Health Information  

People shopping for a purebred dog should educate themselves about all aspects of the breed in which they are interested. Because PWDs were near extinction in Portugal due to a variety of revolution-related losses and the mechanization of the fishing fleets, the people who rescued the small number of breedable PWDs available and brought them to the U.S. in the 1960s immediately resolved to be true guardians of the breed, and be open and honest about any health issues they observed. They were so dedicated to this that in 1994 Time Magazine wrote, “The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America is perhaps the most active dog organization [in the country] in policing genetic defects…”.

So, unlike many breeds, in which health problems exist but aren't talked about, most PWD breeders believe strongly that good health in dogs can only be maintained by the open discussion of health concerns and we have led the way in supporting the development of tests that allow breeders to reduce or eliminate hereditary health problems.

As a matter of education and openness, here are some of the health issues that can be seen in the PWD:

  • Adidson's Disease
  • Allergies
  • Cancer
  • Eye Conditions, including PRA
  • GM-1 Gangliosidosis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Microphthalmia (MO)

While it may seem from the health issues listed here that the PWD is prone to many diseases, PLEASE DO NOT PANIC. As conscientious guardians of the breed, we simply feel that education is one of our responsibilities. And you will find many breeds with these same potential health issues.

The vast majority of PWD's are very healthy. Like any breed, a small percentage can be affected by serious illness. Please put this information into perspective and use it to guide you in the purchase or care of a PWD.

The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America website is the best resource for finding up-to-date information on what parent dogs should be screened for before breeding. 

Coat Type 

PWDs have a single-layered coat that does not shed, and therefore they are often well- tolerated by people who suffer from allergies. The breed has two coat types. 

Wavy – dogs with wavy coats have hair that falls in waves with a slight sheen. 

Curly – these dogs have cylindrical curls, like poodle coats. 

Coat type is not definitive, it can vary. A PWD can have loose curly or tight wavy hair.

Two grooming clips are accepted and not discriminated against in the conformation ring. 

Lion Clip - the hindquarters, from the end of the ribs to the first 2/3s of the tail is shaved.  The muzzle is also shaved. The hair on the last third of the tail is left full-length. The cut resembles a male lion and that is the reason it is called a lion clip.

Retriever Clip - in the Retriever clip, the hair is cut along the natural outline of the dog, leaving the coat about one inch long except for the end of the tail which is left full-length. The muzzle and first 2/3s of the tail can be shaved.  

The PWDCA has grooming guides available. Click Here

Hypoallergenic?

No dog breed can truly be considered hypoallergenic as it is possible for individual allergy sufferers to react to canine hair, dander and even saliva. The best way to test this is to have the person with allergies spend time around PWDs before adding one to your family.

Temperament

The breed has been a working dog for centuries and thus, they are independent and intelligent thinkers. This means that PWDs will find less than wonderful things for themselves to do if they do not have an owner to guide their mental and physical energy. So, a PWD may not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner. But they are easily trained in obedience and agility skills etc. If you invest time and energy in them for their first 18 to 24 months, you will have a dog who will bring you, your family, and even your friends, endless enjoyment.

Is the Portuguese Water Dog a ‘great family dog’?  

Every family is different and has varied expectations, energy levels and dog experience. As a working breed, PWDs crave mental and physical stimulation and attention from their humans. They have a rather long and energetic puppyhood. A lack of stimulation can lead them to become destructive and protective as they seek an outlet for that inherent energy. Getting to know your breeder so that they can match you to a puppy with an appropriate temperament is a great way to find a great dog for your family. 

Find A Puppy  

Referral is a very powerful tool when seeking a responsibly bred PWD puppy. The PWDCA is a great resource for helping you add a PWD to your family.   Click Here