Portuguese Water Dog (PWD)

The Portuguese water dog originated in Portugal, the most westerly country in Europe. (Iberian Peninsula). They were trained  by fishermen to fetch fishing-nets from the sea, or to retrieve fish.     

The dogs are hardy, with a dense wavy or curly coat that is waterproof. They are sometimes called, "Porties," for short.

Portuguese water dogs love the water, and have stamina for swimming, but care should be taken as the ocean can be treacherous. A current can drag the dog out to sea.  The dog should only be allowed in water once it has been trained to respond to commands or whistles. But when waves are crashing, the dog is soon out of earshot.

The early history of dog breeds

Size: medium. 17 - 23" at shoulder. Weight: 35 to 60 lbs.

Color: black, white, or brown, or combinations of black or brown with white.

Group: working

Availability

This website has no leads to Portuguese water dog breeders in South Africa. The breed is included merely because President Obama of US has brought the breed into the limelight, and folk are curious to know about it.

 

These photos are courtesy of Bluegrace Kennels, Australia.  www.bluegrace.com Bluegrace kennels produce intelligent, non-shedding, hypo-allergenic dogs. Their dogs are involved in conformation showing, obedience, agility, school visits, endurance tests, herding, and flyball, and make wonderful companions. The cute litter of Portuguese water dog puppies was born in 2007.

 

top of page  breeders  puppies  breeds of dogs breeds of cats  shop contact webmaster  home