The Portuguese Water Dog was developed in Portugal to assist fishermen. These dogs helped shepherd fish into nets, retrieved fishing equipment accidentally dropped in the water, and carried messages from ship to ship and from ships to land. Males stand 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder, and they should weigh 42 to 60 pounds. Females stand 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder, and they should weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Portuguese Water Dogs’ coats come in two varieties – curly or wavy – and may be black, white, brown or a combination of the three colors. Portuguese Water Dogs are playful, lively, and happy dogs. They generally get along well with most people and other dogs.

To learn how to rescue a Portuguese Water Dog in need of a home or for breeder referrals from the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America click here.
 

Potential Health Problems* 

• Addison’s Disease
• Alopecia
• Cataracts
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Distichiasis
• Follicular Dysplasia
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Lysosomal Storage Diseases
• Microphthalmia
• Persistent Pupillary Membranes
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy