Portuguese Water Dog Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, curly-coated swimmer once used by Portuguese fishermen to herd fish into nets, retrieve gear and carry messages between boats. It is exuberant, intelligent and happiest near water and people.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed along the Portuguese coast and nearly vanished before a wealthy shipowner helped revive it in the twentieth century. Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized and athletic, with a profuse, non-shedding curly or wavy coat in black, brown, white or parti-colors, webbed feet and a strong, curled tail. Many are clipped in a lion cut or a retriever cut.

Temperament

They are intelligent, bold and affectionate. They bond closely with family and love attention. They are energetic and can be exuberant. They are usually good with children but may be too bouncy for small ones. They need companionship and tasks. They can be mouthy and may dig.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, with running, swimming and play. They excel at water work, agility and obedience. They need mental work. A secure fence is needed.

Training

They are intelligent and eager but can be willful and exuberant. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach polite greetings and a reliable recall. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing a few times a week and professional trimming every six to eight weeks. See curly coat dog grooming guide. The coat sheds very little. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• GM1 storage disease, with a DNA test
• Addison's disease. See Addison's disease in dogs
• Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections

Living with a Portuguese Water Dog

They suit active families with space and time to groom. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

A PWD wants a long outing, training, rest and play, with swimming whenever possible. Evenings are for relaxing near family.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Teach calm greetings. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for grooming costs, food and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cool water well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping grooming, ignoring ear care and expecting a calm dog.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and DNA tests, and the parents' temperaments.

Working with water

Swimming is excellent exercise, but safe practice matters. Introduce water gradually, use a life jacket on boats, avoid stagnant ponds and dry the ears after swims.

A famous curly coat

The breed became widely known after a presidential family chose one. Interest rose, and so did the need for careful breeding. Look for breeders who test and who care about temperament.

Daily care checklist

Plan on an hour of exercise, a short training session, brushing a few times a week, ear checks and nail trims. Provide chew toys and puzzle feeders, and book professional grooming.

Is it the right breed for you?

A PWD suits active owners who want a clever, athletic water dog. It may not suit those wanting a calm or low-maintenance companion. For a related water dog, see the Spanish Water Dog.

The takeaway

Portuguese Water Dogs are curly, clever and water-loving, and they need exercise, grooming and training.