Portuguese Water Dog Facts

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog that was bred for retrieving waterfowl for hunters. They have a distinctive curly coat and an energetic personality. Read on to find out more amazing Portuguese Water Dog facts and information!

The Portuguese Water Dog Loves Water!

Based on their name, it should come as no surprise that the Portuguese Water Dog loves water! Not only are they adept swimmers with webbed toes to help them in the water, they absolutely love getting wet. Ideally, a Portuguese Water Dog owner should live near a lake, pond, or ocean so this dog can get plenty of time doing its favorite activity- swimming!

They Need A Lot Of Exercise

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly athletic creatures. Because they were bred for retrieving, they have amazing stamina, and are used to hard work. Even if you aren’t a hunter, you should find something adventurous for your Portuguese Water Dog to do.

This breed needs a large, fenced-in yard, as well as regular walks. Hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities also make great opportunities for the Portuguese Water Dog to get some more exercise!

They’re An Ancient Breed

One of the most amazing Portuguese Water Dog fun facts is that these dogs can be traced as far back as 700 BC! They were eventually brought to Portugal from the central Asiatic steppes, where they became indispensable for Portuguese fishermen. They would retrieve fishing nets and even drowning men from the water!

Their Coat Requires Plenty Of Attention

Portuguese Water Dogs are loved for their attractive curly coat. However, this fur can be a lot of work. Not only do they need to be brushed every day to keep their coat in the best possible condition, but they also need to be bathed frequently. Thankfully, since this dog loves the water so much, they actually look forward to bath time!

Portuguese Water Dogs Make Good Watchdogs

Portuguese Water Dogs are alert and highly protective of their owners. Because they are medium in size, they don’t do well as guard dogs, but they can certainly keep an eye out for intruders! Although this dog has a low tendency to bark in certain situations, they aren’t afraid to alert their owners to any potential danger. You can sleep well at night knowing your Portuguese Water Dog is watching over you and your family.

A Former US President Kept This Breed

One of the most interesting facts about Portuguese Water Dogs is that one of the former US Presidents kept one as a pet! When former President Barack Obama and his family first decided they wanted a dog, they spent months agonizing over which breed to pick. Finally, they settled on the energetic, affectionate, and intelligent Portuguese Water Dog, and not long after, Bo Obama was brought into their home.

Portuguese Water Dogs Are Easy To Train

While the Portuguese Water Dog can be independent at times, they are very eager to please. These intelligent creatures are highly obedient to their owners, and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. Obedience training is a great form of enrichment for this dog, who needs plenty of stimulation to keep from getting bored.

They Don’t Shed

Even though Portuguese Water Dogs require quite a bit of grooming and maintenance to keep their coat in tip-top shape, they come with one major advantage. This breed doesn’t shed!

Some people with dog allergies even prefer this breed, because they don’t have to worry about reacting to dog hair all over their house. While the breed isn’t officially considered hypoallergenic, it certainly is something to consider if dogs usually give you the sniffles.

They Almost Went Extinct

As the fishing industry died down in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog declined in popularity. Thankfully, in the 1930s, a man named Dr. Vasco Bensuade was determined to bring the breed from the brink of extinction. A breed exchange program allowed two of the dogs from this breed to enter the US, where it gradually became more and more popular before finally being accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1984.

They Make Wonderful Family Pets

One of the sweetest Portuguese Water Dog facts is that they fit right into just about any home. Portuguese Water Dogs are amazing with kids, as well as other dogs and even cats! However, due to their high prey drive, Portuguese Water Dogs should not be kept in homes with rabbits, rodents, or other small pets.

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