Portuguese Water Dog
AdventurousObedientSpirited
Portugal · 11–13 years
About the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, intelligent working breed developed along the coast of Portugal to assist fishermen. They herded fish into nets, retrieved lost tackle, and served as couriers between boats and shore. Their waterproof, curly or wavy coat and webbed feet make them exceptional swimmers. Portuguese Water Dogs gained worldwide fame as the chosen breed of the Obama family at the White House. They are spirited, loyal, and thrive on activity and human companionship.
Breed stats
- Height
- 17–23 in
- Weight
- 35–60 lbs
- Lifespan
- 11–13 years
- Group
- Working
- Coat
- Curly or wavy, waterproof, hypoallergenic
- Origin
- Portugal
Coat colors
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Black and White
- Brown and White
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
- GM1 storage disease
- Addison's disease
Not every Portuguese Water Dog will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Portuguese Water Dogs eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little and produce less dander than most breeds. Their curly or wavy coat traps dead hair rather than releasing it into the environment, similar to a Poodle's coat. However, no dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic — all dogs produce some allergens through saliva, urine, and dander. People with mild allergies often tolerate Portuguese Water Dogs well, but those with severe allergies should spend time with the breed before committing to ownership.
- Portuguese Water Dogs need 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. They were bred as working dogs on fishing boats and have abundant energy that needs an outlet. Swimming is their favorite activity, but they also excel at hiking, running, fetch, and dog sports like agility and dock diving. Without sufficient exercise, they can become destructive and develop behavioral problems. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training sessions is equally important — these are intelligent dogs that need both physical and mental challenges.
- Yes, Portuguese Water Dogs require regular professional grooming every four to six weeks. Their continuously growing coat does not shed but will mat and tangle without proper care. Between grooming appointments, owners should brush the coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb. Two common clips are the retriever clip (coat trimmed evenly to about one inch) and the lion clip (hindquarters and muzzle shaved, leaving a full coat on the front). Most pet owners prefer the retriever clip for easier maintenance.
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