This breed is an energetic athlete, robust, alert and responsible swimming dog, Portuguese Water Dog being used as fishermen assistant, water sports, search and rescue at sea, retrieving nets and other objects from the water, sometimes for communication with other boats at sea. Typical trusted companion in water, Portuguese are obedient guards on coasts and at fields in equal. Loyal to its master, concerns with security of family too. The dog can rightly be said a versatile sea rider.

The Portuguese Water Dog is sturdy, strong muscled and powerful dog with medium build. The projection is rectangle being a little longer in length than in height. The dog is active with greater stamina, making it able to work for prolonged during on ground as well as in waters. The single and long coat of the dog is rough with curly or wiry coat. The clipping of the coat is necessary especially on muzzle and hindquarters. The coat is prone to hypoallergenic; preferably it should be clipped all around leaving only one inch to body following the outline of the dog. The dog appears to be a heedful, firm and perceptive with high spirits. The expression of the dog is lively and penetrating.

As the name suggests, the Portuguese Water Dog is originally from Portugal. The dog is locally called “Cao de Agua”, which means “dog of water”, in Portugal. The breed is derived from working dogs of Iberian Peninsula. The dog is extremely good swimmer and had been working with local fishermen for many hundred years. The dog was used to retrieve broken nets, herding fishes, messaging between boats and bringing fallen objects from the water. The dog has also worked as guard of the boat on foreign ports. More useful application was its search and rescue operation in waters. As the time passed by and technology took over the duties of the dog in the fishing industries, the demand of this breed decreased down to very dangerous level by the end of 1930s. The breed revived and number of the dog increased again by the efforts of a rich man of Portuguese named Vasco Bensaude, who bred the dog when it was near to vanish. In 1958, one pair of the dog was introduced to USA. To encourage and protect the breed in America, Portuguese Water Dog Club was formed in 1972, thereafter the dog recognized by American Kennel Club in 1983. The dog is versatile, a swimmer, retriever, rescue worker, work dog, agility, therapy and competitive obedience along with watchdog.

Temperament

The most attracting element of its character is its obedience, which is rightly needed for its usage. It is very loyal and devoted to its master, courageous to face any situation and sea conditions including weathers. Happy when applied in the field reacts more sharply on the command of the master. This joyous breed entertains the peoples involved in co-working. Indoors, the dog is very friendly to family members, polite with children and playful with other animals at home. They are very intelligent in learning, and anxiously tends to learn new things. They respond very well to the training activities. They are eager to play with children and families.