Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese Water Dogs are an incredibly intelligent, loyal, and fun breed to live with. They were originally bred to work alongside fishermen, and that working background really shows in their personality. They love being part of the family and tend to form very strong bonds with their people.
One thing we really love about this breed is their ability to match your energy. They absolutely enjoy exercise, playtime, hikes, and being involved in whatever you're doing, but they’re not typically the kind of dog that is constantly bouncing off the walls. When the day winds down, have a great “off switch” and are just as happy to relax with their family.
They are also incredibly smart — sometimes almost too smart. If you've ever looked at a dog and felt like they completely understood what you were saying, that’s often what living with a Portuguese Water Dog feels like. There’s a running joke in our house that some breeds could be dropped off on an island and might go extinct… Portuguese Water Dogs would probably build a city.
Because of their intelligence, they tend to do very well with training and often excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. They enjoy having a job to do and love learning new things, which makes training both important and rewarding.
They are also wonderful family dogs. We have raised many of our Water Dogs alongside our own young children, and they tend to be patient, affectionate, and very connected to their families. With proper socialization, they typically get along well with other dogs and pets as well.
Their curly or wavy coat is non-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic, which can make them a great option for some people with allergies. However, it’s important to remember that allergies can be caused by more than just hair, so some individuals may still react to dander or saliva.
Regular grooming is part of owning this breed. Their coats need routine brushing and clipping to keep them comfortable and healthy. Many owners choose to learn to groom their dogs at home, which is very doable if you’re willing to invest in the right equipment. This is something we’re always happy to help guide our puppy families through.
Above all, Portuguese Water Dogs are affectionate, loyal companions that truly thrive when they are part of everyday family life. They bring a lot of personality, intelligence, and joy into a home, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with the breed.
One thing we really love about this breed is their ability to match your energy. They absolutely enjoy exercise, playtime, hikes, and being involved in whatever you're doing, but they’re not typically the kind of dog that is constantly bouncing off the walls. When the day winds down, have a great “off switch” and are just as happy to relax with their family.
They are also incredibly smart — sometimes almost too smart. If you've ever looked at a dog and felt like they completely understood what you were saying, that’s often what living with a Portuguese Water Dog feels like. There’s a running joke in our house that some breeds could be dropped off on an island and might go extinct… Portuguese Water Dogs would probably build a city.
Because of their intelligence, they tend to do very well with training and often excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. They enjoy having a job to do and love learning new things, which makes training both important and rewarding.
They are also wonderful family dogs. We have raised many of our Water Dogs alongside our own young children, and they tend to be patient, affectionate, and very connected to their families. With proper socialization, they typically get along well with other dogs and pets as well.
Their curly or wavy coat is non-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic, which can make them a great option for some people with allergies. However, it’s important to remember that allergies can be caused by more than just hair, so some individuals may still react to dander or saliva.
Regular grooming is part of owning this breed. Their coats need routine brushing and clipping to keep them comfortable and healthy. Many owners choose to learn to groom their dogs at home, which is very doable if you’re willing to invest in the right equipment. This is something we’re always happy to help guide our puppy families through.
Above all, Portuguese Water Dogs are affectionate, loyal companions that truly thrive when they are part of everyday family life. They bring a lot of personality, intelligence, and joy into a home, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with the breed.
CKC Portuguese Water Dog Breed Standard - www.ckc.ca/CanadianKennelClub/media/Breed-Standards/Group%203/Portuguese-Water-Dog.pdf
Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada - pwdcc.org
