Meet the Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are complex creatures.  Loyal and loving, Water Dogs quickly become part of the fabric of their owners’ lives.  They relish their work as pets, guardians, workers, and best friends.  Though they are not without their challenges, the noble hearts and able minds of Portuguese Water Dogs make them incomparable companions. 

 

Portuguese Water Dogs are creative and opinionated.  Their great ingenuity and drive can be both a marvel and an annoyance.  When given a task it understands, the Water Dog is an unparalleled worker; when left to its own devices, however, it finds “work” of its own.  Sometimes that “work” might entail chewing precious belongings, shredding toilet paper, or stealing goodies off the counter.  Wise owners commit to early, positive obedience training and to daily exercise for their dog’s mind and body.

 

Portuguese Water Dogs are discriminating canines who evaluate people before forming bonds with them.  Once these bonds are formed, a Water Dog loves its “people” with all of its heart.  They are dedicated animals who cherish and protect all of their family members.  While some are friendly with everyone, many have little time for strangers.  This sensible, cautious temperament has been preserved from the days in which Water Dogs worked on Portuguese fishing boats, procuring and guarding the day’s catch alongside their beloved masters.

 

Even today, most Water Dogs retain the water instincts of their ancestors.  As puppies they are naturally curious about the water- they like to play in their water bowl and, unfortunately, in any unguarded toilets.  As adults, many dogs are adept swimmers; some are almost obsessive about water retrieving.  To see a Water Dog at a PWDCA sponsored water trial is a beautiful sight- it’s amazing what those webbed feet can do!

 

A well-socialized Portuguese Water Dog usually enjoys other dogs; unaltered males and females in season, however, can be dog aggressive, particularly when they are at dog shows or in other arenas where they view themselves in competition with other dogs.  Because of their affinity for one another, there are many multiple Water Dog families.  These families are treated to the unique delights of Portuguese Water Dog games, wrestling matches, and cacophonous attempts at communication.

 

The mind of a Portuguese Water Dog is sharp and sensitive.  Startlingly intelligent, it seems that Water Dogs are quite capable of planning tricks or capers in advance.  They excel at problem solving and challenge their owners to keep up with their fruitful imaginations for play and mischief.  At the same time, Water Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owner’s moods.  Their big brown eyes and sweet canine hearts see and sense everything.  This emotional sophistication allows many Portuguese Water Dogs to thrive as therapy or service dogs. 

 

The Portuguese Water Dog is a joy and a challenge.  Loving these dogs is easy, but owning one is a responsibility.  Be prepared to think, train, and love beyond reason. . .