Life Span:	10 to 15 years
Litter Size:	4 to 8 puppies
Group:	Gun Dog, AKC working class dogs
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	As a beautiful dog, you will first notice the Portuguese Water Dog\'s coat which is an amazing black in most dogs. You can find these dogs in white and brown as well, but those coats are much harder to locate. Some are multi colored dogs. Those are generally white and will have darker spots over their body.
Hair Length:	Medium
Size:	Medium
Shedding:	Lite Shed
Male Height:	20 to 22 inches
Male Weight:	40 to 55 pounds
Female Height:	17 to 20 inches
Female Weight:	35 to 50 pounds
General info courtesy of terrificpets.com. Additional information about this breed can be found on their website
Living Area:	Your Portuguese Water Dog is a relatively large dog but they will do well in most any type of surrounding. Generally, as long as you provide them with enough outdoor exercise, they are likely to have no problem being indoors at other times and even in small places will do well. These dogs do not need too much space indoors as long as they have enough room to run and to play outdoors. A fenced in yard may be important especially if you do not train your pet to stay near to you. Because the Portuguese Water Dog likes to be near to his family and his master, they would like to stay near to you at all times, meaning that they do not like to be outdoor dogs. Yet, in the right climate you can do this. They will enjoy spending a good deal of time outdoors even in the water, especially if that is where you are. The more attention that you pay to them the better they will be with you and the happier they will be.

Description

If you are an owner of a Portuguese Water Dog, you are likely to have him sitting by your feet at any time of the day or night. These dogs are very much affectionate, master pleasing animals with the goal of making sure that you know they are there. Most of them are more than willing to sit by your side or follow you around the house as you move.

Being this loving does not stop the Portuguese Water Dog from also being a working dog. They are intelligent and they are one of the most characteristically beautiful dogs you will find. Although many of them are black, you will find other colors available in a rarer fashion. All make wonderful companions in most every situation.

Yet, the Portuguese Water Dog may not be the perfect dog to bring into every home. They do demand your attention which means that you will need to spend a good amount of time tending to your pet. While for some that is a great fit, for others, like those that work long hours or are very busy this dog may not be the right dog for them. The problem with this dog is that it demands both physical as well as mental challenges throughout the day. Without this attention, your cute and friendly pup can turn into a more destructive dog than you realize. Yet, in the right home, there is no doubt that the Portuguese Water Dog makes an ideal companion.

Coat Description

The coats are different from one dog to the next, though. Some will have a very tight curl, others are wavier. Some dog\'s have a very flat coat. Often, an open curl is found on them. Many are shiny and thick.

The coat is a single layer and does not shed. In most cases, these dogs are hypo allergenic, making them a good choice for those that have allergies.

History

It is thought that the Portuguese Water Dog was bred by the Portuguese over 500 years ago. They were bred to be working dogs. Their goal was to help with fishing, which is why they do love to be in the water. Long ago, these dogs were able to herd and even catch fish. They were also able to move messages from one ship to the next, something that proved to be very important. They were great at guarding the ships as well as the catch when the fishermen would bring the boat into port to sell the fish. What\'s more, because their swimming abilities were so good, they were used to fetch even in the water when things went astray.

The need for this dog was brought to a close when technology took over his job. Yet, there are many people that love them and have continued to breed them because of it. In the 1930\'s the breed was nearly extinct until Vasco Bensaude decided to take care in getting them from around the world and then bred them. Today, they are used heavily throughout the world as companion dogs, but they are still ideal for water training and water needs.

Temperament

Because these dogs were bred to help with the farming of fish, they love water and that is one thing that you will want to take advantage of. They are also very loyal, dependable and often very smart dogs. You will find that they are fun dogs to be near and often are willing to play with you and children of a variety of ages. In most cases, you can pair them with other dogs and small animals especially if they grow up together.

There are many good characteristics about the Portuguese Water Dog. They are very smart dogs and because of this training them is something you can easily do. They also have a very even temper, not often acting out of the normal. You will find that they are pleasant, easy to get along with pets. But, because they are so smart you may have to watch them closer so as not to be tricked by them.

Because the Portuguese Water Dog is so affectionate and loving to its owner, you are likely to have a dog that is well behaved. You will want to work with them and give them your attention to get the best from them. They do make great watchdogs enjoying protecting you, their master as well as their families and property. You will be able to use them for their good sense of smell and their ability to track fairly well. Some dogs do display a high level of dominance in the home and this can lead to problems with barking, but enough activity and exercise (both mental and physical will minimize this in most of the dogs.)

Be sure to watch those puppies, though. Puppy Portuguese Water Dogs have a high level of energy which is shown often in chewed up items that they find.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The Portuguese Water Dog ranks #78 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

Rank Among Breeds	Number of Dogs Tested	Percent of Dogs With Disease
#78	644	4.8%

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

The Portuguese Water Dog is a dog that is a fairly healthy animal. They are not usually problems in terms of life long illness but that is due to the type of care that they are given by their owners, too. Your dog should visit the vet yearly, get the vaccines that he needs and be cared for in terms of grooming by you.

Some of these dogs are known to get hip dysplasia and PRA. Keeping your dog healthy can be done by giving them the exercise that they need to stay healthy. With a good diet, they are likely to avoid many of the common ailments that their breed can face.

If you are having your Portuguese Water Dog breed, do take the time to have the breeding stock tested for the condition known as GM-1 Storage Disease. Some of these lines of dogs will have this condition even though it is unknown until they are six months of age. This disease in particular is one that will damage nerves and is a fatal condition. Generally, it does not present itself until it is too late for the puppy.