Portuguese Water Dog: What are the breed characteristics?

Portuguese Water Dog are wonderful dogs!! =)

I have met a few at dog shows! :) They are so soft.

*Is medium-sized, strong and durable, athletic and agile

*Has a curly or wavy coat

Curly coat: "Compact, cylindrical curls, somewhat lusterless. The hair on the ears is sometimes wavy."

Wavy coat: "Falling gently in waves, not curls, and with a slight sheen."

The hair of PWDs grows continually and requires regular brushing and cutting or clipping. The coat is usually worn in a "retriever cut" or a "lion cut".

The lion cut

In the lion cut, the hindquarters, muzzle, and the base of the tail are shaved and the rest of the body is left full length. This cut originated with the fishing dogs of Portugal. This is the traditional cut and perhaps the most functional, given the breed's main historical significance as a fisherman's companion. The lion cut diminished the initial impact and shock of cold water when the breed jumped from the boats, as well as providing warmth to the vitals. The hindquarters were left shaved to allow easier movement of the back legs and the breed's powerful, rudder-like tail.

The retriever cut

The retriever cut is left 1" (2.5 cm) long evenly over the body (although some owners prefer the muzzle or the base of the tail shorter). This cut is a more recent style and originated because breeders wanted to make the breed more appealing and less unusual looking for buyers.

Sometimes owners will clip the hair of their dogs very short, especially in the summer months, in modified retriever cut.

Portuguese Water dogs make excellent companions. They are loving, independent, and intelligent and are easily trained in obedience and agility skills. Once introduced, they are generally friendly to strangers, and actively enjoy being petted, which, due to their soft, fluffy coats, is a favour that human beings willingly grant them.

*Sheds less than many other breeds, because shed hairs are trapped in the tousled coat

*Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities.

*Makes a fine watchdog, but is too polite to be a guardian

*Is usually fine with other pets

Height: Male: 20-23 inches tall, Females: 17-21 inches tall

Weight: Male: 40-60 pounds lb., Female: 35-50 lb.

Portuguese Water Dogs love the water

These dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly but tend to challenge the owner from time to time so training should begin young. They are silly dogs who love to play with their family. They are terrific with children and other animals. They dont tire easily so they need a lot of entertaining or work to keep them out of trouble.

If you are seeking a puppy should carefully research not only the breed, but also the breeder. It is recommended that you visit the web page for your national breed club, such as the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, for up to date information on health concerns and health tests which reputable breeders will use before breeding a dog. National clubs often maintain breeder lists with contact information which will ensure that you are speaking with the actual breeder. ONLY buy from a responsible breeder who knows and loves the breed! Or you could always go to a Portuguese Water Dog rescue group.

Here is the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America website---

http://www.pwdca.org/

Here is the Portuguese Water Dog breeder list:::

http://www.pwdca.org/puppies/lists/breeders.html

Here is the Portuguese Water Dog rescue website--

http://www.pwdca.org/breed/rescue/

And here are some Pictures of the Breed---

Puppy--

http://www.breederretriever.com/photopost/data/794...

http://www.englishbulldogpuppyblog.com/wp-content/...

Adult--

http://www.petwave.com/~/media/Images/Center/Breed...

http://furballsonline.com/images/vegas102107.jpg

*Hope this Helps!! =)

Dogs shed. They all do. Just like people. Check your hair brush. Hair is not permanent. It replaces itself so you don't miss it, but it comes out. Some dogs shed more than others. I don't know a lot about Portuguese Water Spaniels, but if they are a water breed, they will shed. They don't need the same coat in non-swimming season that they need when they are supposed to be in the water.

The previous two answers are are good. As the owner of a two year old PWD, I can tell you they will constantly challenge their owner. Mine is stealing silverware off the counter as I write this. Not a good breed for a first time dog owner. Besides the Portuguese Water Dog Club site, here's another great site describing the breed.

www.restorapwds.com/About%20PWDs%20&%20Us.htm

They have high grooming requirements, high exercise requirements. They love swimming and playing and are very affectionate and easy to train.

http://www.pwdca.org/

This link will inform anyone on all aspects of PWDs.