Breed Info Summary
Breed Suits: families with young and older children, companionship; high energy, active lifestyle
Shedding/Non-Shedding: Little shedding
Size: Medium
Origin
The Portuguese water dog was developed in Portugal, where the breed served as the fisherman’s equivalent of a farmer’s right-hand man. They fetch nets, deliver messages between ships, and work with enthusiasm. The dogs were so exceptionally valuable that they were considered part of the team.
Personality
Portuguese Water dogs are active and require a high level of physical activity considering their working history. They are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them occupied to prevent destructive behavior such as chewing and digging. They are the happiest when they can spend time outdoors and in the water.
Pros and cons to consider
Pros
- Intelligent
- Easy to train
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal
- Family pet
- Great swimmer
Cons
- Tendency to often chew objects (even your hands!)
- Prone to behavioral problems if not working enough