The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed. They have a single layered coat that doesn’t shed, and therefore their presence is tolerated extremely well among many people who suffer from dog allergies. Some call PWDs hypoallergenic dogs, but any person with dog allergies who seeks a dog with these qualities should actually spend time with the animals before purchasing, to test whether the dog is actually non-allergenic to them.
They are highly intelligent and have a multi-octave voice. Some of them are said to “yodel” when excited. They are web toed and like to swim. Don’t they sound interesting? I don’t have one, but I have had the privilege to pet one once.
They make excellent watch dogs. They have a very loud bark. However, it will rarely, if ever, attack an intruder after having given the alarm-barks, and so it is not considered a guard dog in the normal sense. Even without training, the dogs will usually bark three or four times, then rush to their master’s side to await further instructions on how to relate to a perceived intruder. The PWD’s high intelligence and tendency to vocalize and then seek out its human master when specific alarms occur make it an ideal hearing-ear or deaf-assistance dog. PWDs can be readily trained to bark loudly when a telephone rings, and then to find and alert a hard-of-hearing or deaf master.
The Portuguese Water Dog has webbed toes for swimming, which one can notice by trying to pass ones finger between the dog’s toes, and brown eyes.Portuguese Water Dogs once existed all along Portugal’s coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermas’ nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore.
Portuguese Water dogs make excellent companions. They are loving, independent, and intelligent and are easily trained in obedience and agility skills. They are generally friendly to strangers, once introduced, and actively enjoy being petted, which, due to their soft, fluffy coats, is a favour that human beings willingly grant them.
Because they are working dogs, PWDs are generally content in being at their master’s side, awaiting directions, and, if they are trained, they are willing and able to follow complex commands. They are generally considered too small to be used as service dogs, but make unusually good therapy dogs and hearing-ear dogs.
Owners of this breed will attest that their PWD usually stays in close proximity to them both indoors and outdoors. This is typical of the breed. Though very gregarious animals, these dogs will typically bond with one primary or alpha family member. Some say that this so-called “velcro bonding” trait arose in the breed because the dogs wre selected to work in close proximity to their masters on small fishing boats, unlike other working dogs that range out to perform tasks. In any case, the modern PWD, whether employed on a boat or kept as a pet or working therapy dog, loves attention and prefers to be engaged in activity within sight of a human partner. This is not a breed to be left alone for long periods of time, indoors or out. As water dogs, the PWD’s retrieving instinct is strong, which also gives some dogs tugging and chewing tendencies.
A PWD will commonly jump as a greeting. Owners may choose to limit this behavior. Some PWDs may walk, hop, or “dance” on their hind legs when greeting or otherwise enthusiastic. Most, if not all, PWDs will stand upright at kitchen counters and tables, especially if they smell food above them. This habit is known as “counter surfing” and is characteristic of the breed. Although it can be a nuisance, many PWD owners evidently enjoy seeing their dogs walking, hopping, standing up, or “countering” and do not seriously discourage these activities.
While excellent companions to those who understand their needs, Portuguese Water Dogs are not for everyone. Their intelligence and working drive demand consistent attention in the form of regular vigorous exercise and mental challenges. They look (and are) soft, cuddly, cute — but are not to be mistaken as “couch potatoes.” When bored, PWDs will become destructive. A PWD can get into the garbage, silently snag food off the kitchen counters when your back is turned, and can even learn to open cabinet doors
Hello, I really enjoyed your work on this topic. My PWD owns me too. I found him in a grocery cart in front of a grocery store in Tucon AZ in 1997. He had more energy then I even knew existed on earth, so we went on trail hikes a lot. He would take off and return 20 minutes later, well exersized. I just wanted to write and tell all of you how special he has been to us. We named him ‘King Solomon’- Solly for short. Thanks again.
Rachel
You have caputured my Portie exactly. He is an absolute joy and very tiring, mentally. I would not recommend them with small children around, as their enthusiasm and love for joining in has caused my son to be knocked over on countless occasions. He is now older and knows to hug the wall when Buster starts getting excited.
My dog is never well exercised or tired, so yet again, a warning to people who would want one due to the wonderful comments you gave about them. Do not get one if you do not have the time for it. They are so friendly and loving and do not deserve to be kept in doors for hours. They are brilliant pets and deserve owners who will be able to work with their gorgeous temperment and enthusiastic play. Thanks again for your great write up on PWD, for not owning one, you have captured them exactly.
I am about to get a PWD and after meeting the dam, you’ve described her perfectly! These dogs need lots of exercise and they need a job to do! A tired dog is a good dog
I’ve started a blog waiting her arrival… pwdnc.wordpress.com