Dog Breeds > Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog is another feisty dog that would surely make your day every day. There are times that you would see this dog assisting the rehabilitating people, performing tricks on water and aiding the police rescuing the drowning people.
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Fascinating Facts
The Portuguese water dog, also known as Cao de Agua or Cao de Agua Portugues is a dog that was originated from Portugal. This dog is an excellent swimmer; it helped the Portuguese fishermen with their daily routine at sea for hundreds of years. This breed came from the working dogs in Iberian Peninsula.
Physical Appearance
A fully-grown Portuguese water dog measures and weighs 20 – 22 inches and 42 – 55 pounds respectively. This breed is a strong and medium-sized water dog. The head is composed of dome-shaped skull, muzzle with broad and black nose, heart-shaped ears that hangs on both sides of its head.
The tail of the Portuguese water dog should not be docked or removed because it helps the dog on its efficient swimming. The feet or pads are webbed that assists them on swimming. The coat is thick and curly. The usual coat color of the Portuguese water dog includes black, white, gray, silver fox and brown with white markings.
Grooming
The coat of the Portuguese water dog requires regular brushing in order to keep it on top condition. This dog’s coat is never trimmed but only clipped. This dog loves to take a bath every day.
Mood
The Portuguese water dog is a lively, fun-loving and active type of dog. This dog is very affectionate and loyal on its family or pack. It likes to gather the attention of every person present around it. This dog can also get along with other dogs and other domestic pets in the house such as cats, rabbits and birds.
Like any dogs, the Portuguese water dog is susceptible to human-induced behavioral problems like Small Dog Syndrome wherein the dog thinks that it can get whatever it wants. Bear in mind not to over pamper this dog or else, it would become stubborn, independent and even destructive. As an owner/trainer/handler, you should exert firm but gentle character in front of it so that it would think that you are the alpha and not them.
With Children
The Portuguese water dog likes the company of the children. It is very playful, cheerful and protective all the time. Make sure that you warn the children not to hurt or engage the Portuguese water dog on rough activities or else it would get upset and might snap on them.
Training & Exercise
The Portuguese water dog has great level of stamina; only proper and enough exercise would make it satisfied and happy for the rest of the day. Daily walking and running are the recommended exercise for this breed. This dog likes to swim and should therefore given a chance to do so.
This dog is highly intelligent and obedient and training would not be so much trouble. As long as you use gentle and calm instructions and commands, the Portuguese water dog would happily obey anything that you say during training sessions. It also responds well to food-reward challenges.
Health & Life Expectancy
The Portuguese water dog can normally live from 10 – 14 years depending on how well this dog is taken care of. This dog can generally live healthy for the rest of its life. However, there are some cases wherein hip dysplasia is observed. In addition, a genetic-related illness called GM-1 Storage Disease or fatal nerve disease can occur on this breed. Regularly check your trusted veterinarian to prevent this disease from appearing.
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