GROUP 6 - UTILITY

Brief History

The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal, where they were used on the fishing boats. Their job was to help the fishermen pull in nets, herd fish into nets, retrieve gear, and take messages from boat to boat. Their job became redundant in modern times with the advent of new technology.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament
They are loyal, fun loving, strong willed and energetic.

General Breed Description
The Portuguese Water Dog should be a strong, muscular, hardy dog, with a rectangular outline. He is very intelligent and very energetic. They are a fisherman’s dog, so have great swimming skills. The tail is thick at the base, tapering, with a plume on the end. The tail should be held curved over the back when attentive. The dog comes in 2 coat types, wavy or curly, both of which are non-shedding. The colours are black, brown, white, black with white and brown with white.

Coat and Care Requirements
The Portuguese Water Dog should be groomed weekly, bathed monthly, and pet trim clipped every 3 to 4 months.

Size
Height: Males: 50 to 57cms (19.5 to 22.5ins), Females 43 to 52cms (17 to 20.5ins).

Weight: Males 19 to 25kgs, Females 16 to 22kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Portuguese Water Dog is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hip dysplasia (HD), Microphthalmia (eye disease), Juvenile Dilated Cardio Myopathy (JDCM) and Gangliosidosis (GM1).

Suitability
Portuguese Water Dog is suitable for most people, but must be trained and obedient. They are very intelligent and will test the limits at times!

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/183