Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs typically live 11 to 13 years. Hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions occur given their athletic build. A hereditary neurological condition called GM1 storage disease has been documented in the breed, making genetic testing important. Otherwise, this is a generally healthy, energetic working breed.

That curly or wavy coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting, since it doesn't naturally shed the way most coats do. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks keeps the coat manageable. Their famously low-shedding coat makes them popular for allergy-sensitive households. Bathe every three to four weeks.

Bred for assisting Portuguese fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs absolutely love to swim and need close to an hour of activity daily. Fetch, swimming, and active play suit their playful, athletic nature perfectly. They genuinely love having a task to focus their abundant energy on. Mental stimulation through retrieving games keeps them happily engaged.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, Portuguese Water Dogs are widely considered one of the easiest breeds to train. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works beautifully. Early socialization rounds out their naturally friendly, energetic temperament. They excel in obedience, agility, and water sports for good reason.

A quality protein-rich diet suits this athletic, energetic breed well. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Watch their weight, as they can gain if under-exercised. Fresh water should always be available, especially after swimming sessions.

Developed along the coast of Portugal, this breed worked alongside fishermen for centuries, herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and carrying messages between boats. Their intelligence, swimming ability, and distinctive curly coat made them indispensable on fishing vessels. The breed nearly went extinct as commercial fishing modernized, before a dedicated Portuguese breeder revived the population in the 1930s. The breed gained worldwide fame after becoming the chosen breed of the Obama family's White House dog, Bo.