The Ultimate Guide to Portuguese Water Dogs: History, Care, and Characteristics

People usually start looking up the Portuguese Water Dog when they’re weighing up a breeder, checking whether the “low-shedding” reputation is real, or trying to match a lively working breed to a normal household routine. It’s a practical decision: these dogs can be brilliant companions, but only when their exercise, grooming and training needs are met.

Below is a clear, grounded guide to the Portuguese Water Dog’s size, coat, temperament, daily care, and the health checks worth asking about before you commit.

Portuguese Water Dog at a glance

• Height (at the withers): males 50–57 cm; females 43–52 cm¹
• Weight: males 19–25 kg; females 16–22 kg¹
• Coat: profuse, curly or wavy; single coat (no undercoat)¹
• Colours: black, white, various shades of brown, and black/white or brown/white combinations¹
• Shedding: generally low-shedding, but not “hypoallergenic” in any guaranteed way^{6, 7, 8}
• Temperament: active, intelligent, people-focused; does best with daily structure and close companionship⁴
• Life expectancy: commonly around 10–14 years (varies with genetics, care and luck)⁴

Origins: a working dog shaped by the sea

The Portuguese Water Dog comes from coastal Portugal, where it worked alongside fishing crews. Accounts of their traditional work include moving fish towards nets, retrieving gear, and carrying messages between boats and shore. The breed’s athletic build and strong swimming ability suit that history, and many still show an unmistakable enthusiasm for water today.⁴

Physical characteristics: built for endurance

Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized, compact and muscular, with a springy, capable way of moving. The breed standard describes two coat types—curly and wavy—both without an undercoat. The coat covers most of the body, and traditional clips (including the “lion clip”) are part of the breed’s grooming culture and show history.^{1, 2}

Coat: “low shedding” is not the same as “hypoallergenic”

You’ll often see Portuguese Water Dogs described as hypoallergenic. In practice, dog allergy is usually triggered by proteins found in dander (skin flakes), saliva and urine, and expert organisations note there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds.^{7, 8}

Many people with allergies do find some low-shedding breeds easier to live with, but it’s individual. If allergies are a real concern, it’s worth spending time with adult Portuguese Water Dogs (not just puppies) before committing, and speaking with your GP or allergist about managing exposure.^{6, 7}

Temperament: bright, busy, and closely bonded

This breed is known for sharp intelligence, stamina, and a strong desire to be involved in daily life. They tend to thrive in homes where someone is around often, routines are consistent, and their brains get used as much as their legs.⁴

With good socialisation, many Portuguese Water Dogs do well with children and other pets. The key is early, calm exposure and ongoing supervision—especially when a young, powerful dog is still learning how to move gently through a busy household.

Training and exercise needs

A Portuguese Water Dog is rarely satisfied with a token lap around the block. They were shaped for work, and they tend to flourish when they have a job—formal or informal—most days.

Training approach

Keep training clear and upbeat. Positive reinforcement methods (rewarding the behaviours you want, rather than punishing the ones you don’t) are widely recommended by canine welfare organisations and suit an intelligent, sensitive working breed.⁹

• Start socialisation early: people, handling, grooming tools, vets, car rides, other dogs.
• Short sessions, often: five minutes done well beats thirty minutes of drifting attention.
• Teach “settle” behaviours deliberately, not by accident—active dogs need to learn how to switch off.

Exercise and enrichment

Daily exercise matters, but so does mental work. Many Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy swimming, retrieving, scent games, and dog sports that reward focus and body control. If you have safe access to water, it can be a natural way to meet their needs, with sensible supervision and gradual conditioning.

Health: what to watch for and what to ask breeders

Portuguese Water Dogs are often robust, but they do have known inherited conditions. In practical terms, the best protection is careful breeding, appropriate screening, and honest disclosure.

Commonly discussed health risks

• Hip dysplasia: a developmental joint disorder; breeders commonly screen hips before breeding.⁵
• Eye disease: eye examinations and DNA tests are used to reduce the risk of inherited retinal diseases, including forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).⁵
• Breed-specific inherited conditions: DNA tests are available for conditions such as GM1 gangliosidosis and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (JDCM), as well as microphthalmia syndrome and early-onset PRA variants listed by breed health programs.⁵

A quick breeder checklist

If you’re buying a puppy, ask for evidence (not verbal reassurance) of screening relevant to the parents:

• Hip evaluation results (and what scheme was used)
• Ophthalmologist eye exam results
• DNA test results for key breed conditions (as recommended by the breed club/health programs)⁵

Grooming and maintenance

That beautiful coat is work. Because it’s continually growing and tends to mat, grooming is not optional.

• Brushing: several times a week for most household coats; more often if kept longer.
• Professional grooming: many owners book a groom every 6–10 weeks, depending on clip and lifestyle.
• Ears, nails, teeth: regular checks and maintenance help prevent common, avoidable problems.

After swimming, rinse and dry well—especially ears and skin folds—so damp doesn’t linger where it can irritate skin or encourage infection.

Diet and feeding

Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to an active medium-sized dog, and adjust portions to body condition rather than the label on the bag. Treats are useful for training, but they add up quickly in a clever dog that’s always watching your hands.

If you’re unsure about diet, growth rates (in puppies), or supplements, ask your vet for advice tailored to your dog’s age and activity.

Well-known Portuguese Water Dogs

The breed is widely recognised thanks to Bo and Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dogs who lived with U.S. President Barack Obama’s family in the White House. They helped introduce many people to the breed’s curly coat, trainability and lively presence.⁴

Final thoughts

A Portuguese Water Dog is at its best when it has somewhere to put its energy: a steady routine, daily training, vigorous exercise, and close contact with its people. Meet a few adults, ask hard questions about health screening, and be honest about your time. The right match feels calm and obvious—like a capable animal settling into the work of your life.

References

1. Dogs Australia (ANKC) breed standard: Portuguese Water Dog
2. The Kennel Club (UK) breed standard: Portuguese Water Dog
3. Dogs NSW breed standard: Portuguese Water Dog
4. American Kennel Club (AKC): Portuguese Water Dog breed information
5. AKC: Recommended health tests (Portuguese Water Dog listed under Working Group requirements)
6. Cleveland Clinic: Pet allergies (overview and management)
7. Mayo Clinic: Pet allergy (no breed is truly hypoallergenic; allergens include dander and saliva)
8. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): Pet allergy (no truly hypoallergenic breeds)
9. RSPCA Australia: Best way to train a dog (reward-based training)