Portuguese Water Dog - description of the breed, nuances of caring for and raising the dog (95 photos)

The Portuguese Water Dog has helped Portuguese sailors for hundreds of years. But, in the second half of the 20th century, technological progress supplanted it and brought it to the brink of extinction. The breed was preserved, but its popularity is low, in contrast to its price. Once exclusively a working dog, today the merman is kept as a companion and friend. Quick navigation

Care and maintenance

Portuguese Water Dog puppies require not so much care as they require exercise and training.
This breed is not only very easy to train and is able to learn anything, but it is also incapable of living a full life without training. A Portuguese merman will never lie quietly on a rug and pretend that she is a piece of furniture. These animals are created for work and strive in every possible way to find it, with all possible energy and enthusiasm.

In the absence of training or training in any activity, which is subsequently regularly used, deep psychological problems may develop, which will outwardly manifest themselves as follows:

— emotional passivity appears, the animal looks at one point for a long time, as if lost in thought, or begins to hide, while it is, of course, completely healthy physiologically;

- the dog begins to growl and snarl when attempting physical contact with it, including attempts to stroke or snap the leash carabiner;

- the animal becomes indifferent to its territory, it stops “going around on patrol” and responding to doorbells;

- the dog stops responding, although it does not run away, it seems that the dog simply does not hear that his name is being called;

- may suddenly start chasing other animals, cyclists and even cars.

Therefore, the main point of caring for and maintaining this breed is the ability and desire to work with the animal and provide it with workloads.

It is this quality that makes Portuguese water dogs one of the best dogs for a child of ten years and older - the animal will become an ideal companion, enthusiastically taking part in any fun and learning any tricks and “circus” acts.

In addition to training, the dog needs physical activity, the most ideal option is swimming. At the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that the animal will drive ducks to the shore or force the otter to get out onto land at the owner’s feet if it swims in the conditions of lakes and rivers in the middle zone.

As for the coat, caring for it is the same as caring for a poodle’s “fur coat” - that is, you need to comb, cut and, if desired, decorate with hairpins and bows. Portuguese merman not only calmly accept all manipulations with their appearance, they love them very much.

History of appearance

The breed was first mentioned in 1297. The monk tells how a dog saved a drowning sailor. He describes it as covered in long, coarse black fur, with a tufted tail. This is actually the only mention of the breed - the dog was a companion to sailors who were not very literate in those days.

It is believed that the breed is very ancient; the ancestors of modern animals lived on the coast of the Iberian (Iberian) Peninsula, in Portugal. Portuguese sailors at that time were considered the best in Europe. They sailed on small ships, the crew was small, and part of this crew was a Portuguese dog.

These dogs are excellent divers and excellent swimmers. Their job was to retrieve torn nets and objects that had fallen into the water. Thanks to this, sailors did not risk their lives by diving into cold water or during strong currents. Animals also carried notes from one ship to another - they were a kind of means of communication. The Portuguese dogs did not have a guard function, but in times of danger they could easily make noise. At that time this breed was found in all the ports and coasts of Portugal. The sailors themselves called them “can diagua” - a water dog, sometimes a blue water dog.

For hundreds of years, dogs served faithfully in the maritime industry, but over time their skills became unnecessary. Small ships stopped sailing, and means of communication made it possible to communicate at a distance. Because of this, the breed was on the verge of extinction. Since 1930, the revival of the breed was taken over by Vasco Bensuade, a wealthy magnate who owns many ships and shipyards, thanks to which the process of restoring the breed was quick and successful.

Bensuade created a nursery in which water dogs from all over the country began to gather. But, despite the successful and fairly rapid revival, the Portuguese breed did not gain popularity. Currently, new interest has flared up in her, especially after former US President Barack Obama got himself such a dog.

Care and maintenance

The content of Portuguese is very simple. They need a private house with a walk and apartment maintenance is undesirable. But if the square meters of the apartment allow, then an animal is allowed, taking into account that it needs to be walked more often. Dogs are unusually smart and obedient, so teaching a puppy to go to the toilet in a diaper is not difficult at first.

Despite the long structured coat, caring for the pet is quite simple, and the dog has no smell. With a special brush, elastic curls are perfectly combed, and clogged twigs, grass and plant seeds are perfectly removed.

If you don't brush your dog for a long time, mats will form. During the winter season, the fur collects snowballs, so the dog is walked in overalls.

It is recommended to wash the Portuguese cat with shampoo and special products no more than twice a year, and the hair around the eyes is wiped daily. The neck and muzzle are wiped with a damp cloth immediately after feeding to prevent the skin from becoming inflamed.

It is advisable to wipe your dog after each swim in a pond, especially if the air temperature is high. Do not forget that some representatives of worms live in water. Therefore, preventive deworming of the dog is necessary, somewhat more often in summer than in winter.

Dog ears require daily cleaning. The dental system is strong, but still needs a preventive examination. Some individuals suffer from quickly forming plaque that needs to be cleaned off.

The dog must be treated against blood-sucking parasites - mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Insects carry dangerous infectious diseases, which the Portuguese experience especially hard.

How much does it cost to own a dog?

You will initially have to spend a large amount of money on maintaining a dog. You need to purchase accessories for care. Further monthly expenses are 3-5 times lower; you only need to purchase food, care products and sometimes medicine. In addition to spending money, you need to consider how much attention and time the animal requires.

For preliminary calculations, you need to make a list of desirable and obligatory expenses. Divide the cost of each product by the number of months, and then add up the results. The main expense is feeding. Consider the characteristics of the breed. For example, a purebred representative of decorative breeds may need the services of a groomer.

The most expensive is the first year of maintenance. During this period, you need to make one-time purchases and pay for services. In subsequent years, stable expenses consist of spending on food, a veterinarian, shampoos, and antiparasitic agents.

If we add up the amount of one-time and permanent expenses, the first year requires an investment of 54,336, that is, 4,528 per month at a minimum. Subsequent years of maintenance require an investment of 3500/month.

The character of the Portuguese

The four-legged Portuguese are accustomed to obeying humans, so they are ideal companions. Smart pets with a balanced psyche are very loyal to their owners.

Cold-blooded and calm dogs adapt well to different climatic conditions and constantly changing environments. Hardy and hardworking animals get along well with children and other pets if they grew up with them from childhood. For all its balance, this breed is active enough to keep its owner from getting bored.

Description of the breed

The physique of representatives of this breed depends largely on how active they are and what they eat. The ideal water dog from Portugal should move a lot, swim, this will allow it to have developed muscles, strong bones and not an ounce of excess fat.

These dogs have a square format, they have a strong back, muscular body, hidden by a lush coat. The height of males varies from 50 to 57 cm, weight - from 19 to 25 kg, females are more compact, their height is 43-52 cm, weighing from 16 to 22 kg.

In accordance with the standard, purebred representatives look like this:

1. The head is quite wide, proportional in size to the body, has clear outlines, a well-defined occipital protuberance, powerful cheekbones and well-developed brow ridges. The transition from the frontal to the nasal part is well defined, there is a dividing groove.
2. There is a noticeable narrowing of the muzzle from the base to the nose. The lips do not droop, are pressed tightly against the teeth, and are pigmented in the same color as the nose. The teeth are large, the fangs are especially large, but they are hidden by the lips and do not protrude outward. They create a correct “scissors” bite.
3. The nose is large, mobile, the nostrils are wide and highly sensitive. The color of the nose directly depends on the color of the coat; most often the nose is black, less often – brown.
4. The eyes are large, round, expressive, with pigmented dry eyelids, which are completely covered by the conjunctiva. The color of the iris varies from almost black to brown, without light areas.
5. The ears are wide at the base, large, located above the eye line. They are shaped like a tree leaf, their tips are smoothly rounded.
6. The body format of Portuguese water dogs is square, that is, the length of the body is almost equal to their height. In bitches, moderate elongation of the body is allowed.
7. The neck is long, has no folds or dewlap, and is characterized by strong muscles. The chest is moderately wide and spacious. The ribs are springy and well curved, which provides a large lung volume.
8. The back is level and short with weakly defined withers, the loin is so short that it practically merges with the croup, they have a slight convexity.
9. The groin line is selected, there is an undercut that is invisible under the fur.
10. The forelimbs, when viewed from the front, stand straight; when viewed from the side, they have a slight slope and are equipped with developed muscles. The shoulder is well developed, the forearms are voluminous, the wrists are long and flexible, the pasterns are located at an angle.
11. The thighs are covered with prominent muscles; they are wide, elongated, with large knees and hocks. The hands have an oval shape and large fingers.
12. The tail is of medium length, located at medium height, not thick, graceful. When the dog is calm, the tail is in a free or slightly raised state. During excitement, it rises above the line of the back and twists into a half ring.

Coat and colors

The entire body of the “Portuguese” is covered with thick, dense, thick hair; in the area of ​​the forelimbs, chest and inguinal line the guard hair is somewhat thinner. The dogs do not have an undercoat, mane or fur collar.

There are two types of individuals: some have curly hair that curls into cylindrical curls. For others, it is wavy, shiny, and falls down. The standard allows both types of coat, all others are considered defective.

As for colors, there are several of them:

• pure black coat;
• white coat with brown spots;
• the main tone is black or brown, the additional tone is white;
• white – allowed if the dog is not an albino.

a brief description of

• Other names: Portuguese Water Dog, Cão de Água Português, Portie, PWD, water dog, Portuguese;
• Height: up to 57 cm at the withers;
• Weight: up to 27.5 kg;
• Color: black, brown-chocolate solid, white spots on the chest are acceptable in both colors;
• Coat: glossy with a dense undercoat of two types – long with a wavy structure and short, thick;
• Life expectancy: up to 15 years;
• Advantages of the breed: Dogs have a high level of obedience and diligence. He enthusiastically carries out security and guard duty in any weather on water and on land. A typical representative of working dog breeds.
• Difficulties: Secretive individuals, especially dogs tend to hide their poor health and malaise. Most representatives of the breed have a grumpy character.
• Price: $2500.

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What you need to know about the health of the Spanish Water Dog

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a certain disease. Run, don't walk, from any breeder who does not provide a health guarantee on its puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that its puppies are isolated from the main household for health reasons . A reputable breeder will be honest and upfront about the breed's health problems and the frequency with which they occur in the breed.

The Spanish Water Dog can develop certain health problems, including

• allergies
• Hip dysplasia
• glaucoma

hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy

The main problems that occur in the breed are hip dysplasia and allergies. Other problems occur less frequently. Other conditions that can be seen in this breed include exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, Addison's disease, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, myasthenia gravis, and seizures.

These conditions are not necessarily common in the breed, but you should be aware of them when you are looking for your puppy.

Breeders should be happy to show you up-to-date health certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) indicating that both of the puppy's parents are free of these conditions.

Health permits you should expect:

• Annual eye examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifying that the parent does not have physical abnormalities such as cherry eye, distichasis (abnormal internal eyelash growth), glaucoma, persistent pupillary membranes, and progressive retinal atrophy
• One-time OptiGen DNA test for progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd-PRA, which is a form of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs)
• OFA or PennHIP test showing parents have good hips
• OFA complete thyroid panel through an approved laboratory
• DNA panel for congenital hypothyroidism with goiter through Michigan State University that determines whether a particular dog is normal, a carrier, or suffers from the condition

It can be difficult to predict whether an animal will be free of these conditions, so it is important to find a reputable breeder and insist on obtaining independent certification that the dog's parents (and grandparents, etc.) have been tested for defects

and is considered healthy for breeding. This is where healthcare registries like OFA come in. If a breeder tells you that she doesn't need to undergo these tests because she has never had problems with her lines, or because her dogs have been vet tested, or if she gives any other excuse for skimping on genetics testing your dogs, leave immediately. And if you think health testing is only important for show dogs, think again. Even dogs intended to be pets should have their parents screened for genetic diseases.

Careful breeders test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and breed only the healthiest and most beautiful specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and the puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in many cases dogs can still live good lives. If you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the age of the dogs in her ranks and what they died from.

Will your Spanish Water Dog get any or all of these diseases? It's not necessary, but it's smart to know the possibilities.

Remember that once you bring your new puppy into your home, you can protect him from one of the most common health problems in all dogs: obesity. The breed standard requires the Spanish Water Dog to weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. If you can't see your SWD's waist or feel (but can't see) his ribs, it's time to talk to your veterinarian about a weight management program. Maintaining a proper weight for your Spanish Water Dog is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health. Make the most of diet and exercise to ensure a healthy dog ​​for life.

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Breed dossier

1. Country of Origin:
   USA
2. Classification:
   Group 5: Nordic sled dogs, spitz, primitive

   Section 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds

3. Training:
   Representatives of the American Akita breed need space and great physical activity. When trained, these dogs do not tolerate bullying and humiliation. They need a strong, worthy owner-partner, not a commander. When training these dogs, a special approach is required.
4. Color:
   white, fawn, red, brindle, piebald.
5. Dimensions.
   Height at withers: male: 66-71 cm, female: 61-66 cm. Weight of female: 45 – 55 kg, male: 50 – 65 kg.
6. General impression:
   a fairly large dog with harmonious body proportions, strong and independent.
7. Usage.
   Today, this breed is used not only as a companion dog, but as a guard or service dog, or even as a guide dog. Akitas are natural guard dogs and do not require any training to become guard dogs. When there is a serious reason to protect family and property, your Akita will do everything for this. When you are at home, the Akita will welcome your guests, but when you are not there, no one will be able to enter.
8. Physical activity:
   Physical activity, in any form, is a joy for the Akita’s soul and benefits for the body.
9. Personality:
   Friendly, responsive, courageous. These dogs can sometimes be proud and independent.
10. :
    Can be kept in a city apartment if provided with long walks.
11. Grooming:
    The American Akita's coat does not require special care; it is enough to brush it 1-2 times a week.
12. Liveability:
    Males of the Akita breed show aggression towards other males, just as females will not tolerate the presence of another female. Akitas can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, although some Akitas prefer to be the only dog!

    Dogs of this breed are very jealous of their food. If you have other pets, you should make sure that your Akita is fed away from other animals. This rule also applies to children.

    An Akita that has not been raised with children since puppyhood is not always tolerant of small children. This dog should never be left alone with a child, even if you are sure that your dog adores all children. A large dog can accidentally hurt a child. Often an Akita raised with children will tolerate its owner's children, but will not tolerate the surrounding children. As a general rule, it is wise not to leave an Akita or any large breed dog alone with children under 12 years of age.

    Akita can view small animals as prey and hunt them. These can be cats, rodents, birds, and small wild animals, and small dogs. Chickens, ducks and other birds are food for the Akita, don't expect the dog to make friends with the bird.

    You should not tease the Akita, because... she might bite. Some children love to torture animals. Such children should stay as far away from the Akita as possible, because the Akita's large size and hunting instincts can endanger the child's life.

13. Diseases:
    Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases, skin problems, patella problems.
14. Diet:
    balanced. Dry food and supplementary food from natural products.
15. Life expectancy:
    10 – 12 years.

Origin of the breed

The first mentions of the water dog date back to the 5th-7th centuries. The Romans called this breed “lion” for its unique coat.

Until the Industrial Revolution, such dogs were used for fishing: they could catch fish that had fallen off a hook, and they could retrieve gear from a reservoir. Animals played the role of sea “postmen”, delivering letters from the ship to the shore or another ship. The dogs monitored the safety of the gear and the ship itself. These animals were even rented for money.

In the 20th century, this breed lost its functional value, and water dogs were no longer as common. Only in the Algarve, where old fishing traditions were preserved, were dogs still used as assistant divers.

In the 30s, the owner of the fishing fleet, Basco Bensoje, began restoring the breed, and created a breeding program for these animals. In 1966, a breed standard was developed, and 15 years later the US Kennel Club officially recognized it. In 1981, the breed was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the rarest on the planet.

Brief historical background

The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient working dog breed that is considered indigenous. It appeared in Portugal back in the Middle Ages (15th–17th centuries). According to one version, dogs came to the Iberian Peninsula from Persia approximately 500 BC, as evidenced by written references in documents of that time.

Animals were indispensable helpers for local residents and sailors. Excellent divers and swimmers, owners of water-repellent fur, thanks to which they could stay in cold water for a long time, the dogs skillfully drove fish into nets, caught prey that had fallen off the hook and brought it to the fisherman, and also helped to find torn off rigging, gear and scraps of nets. Smart and hardy dogs passed notes between fishing boats at sea and delivered correspondence from land to ships and back.

Portuguese women love water

Wasserhunds not only swim well, but also run very quickly, this quality helped them act as a gun dog and successfully chase down a fox or hare, as well as hunt ducks. Among other things, the water dog was a conscientious watchman; she diligently protected houses from thieves, and flocks of livestock from predators.

After the advent of the Industrial Revolution, at the beginning of the 20th century, the social class of Portuguese sailors began to rapidly disappear, and with it the Can Di Agua dogs. The breed line was on the verge of extinction. However, in the 30s of the last century, thanks to the efforts of the shipping magnate and great dog lover Vasco Bensuade, the breed was revived. In 1966, the first breed standard was written. In 1983, the Portuguese Water Dog was officially recognized and listed by the AKC (American Kennel Club). The Wasserhund was entered into the FCI register in April 2008: in group 8 (section 3 - water dogs) under number 37. This current standard is dated 03/30/2009.

Dog care

The coat of this breed grows slowly and shedding is not very pronounced. You need to regularly comb your hair with a soft brush, removing old hairs. This will prevent the formation of tangles.

The Spanish dog's coat is not prone to accumulating unpleasant odors, so it does not need frequent washing. Water procedures can be performed 2-3 times a year. To protect your pet's hair from moisture and dirt in bad weather, you should wear overalls. At the same time, the dog loves water very much, and if he has a desire to swim in the summer heat, he should be allowed to do so. After this, you need to wipe your pet with a towel.

The dog's long hair requires regular haircuts. If the dog does not participate in exhibitions, the hairstyle can be anything. If the pet is a participant in such events, then there are two haircut options - “Lion” and “Working”. The first option involves maximum shortening of the hairs on the back and middle parts of the body and muzzle. The head, neck, chest and tip of the tail remain intact. A “working” haircut involves shortening the bangs to a length that does not interfere with the dog’s vision. The fur throughout the body is trimmed evenly, and only the tip of the tail remains with long hairs.

Dog eye and ear hygiene should be done daily. For this purpose, you need to use cotton pads soaked in boiled water.

The teeth of representatives of the water breed are strong and healthy. However, you should not neglect regular mouth examinations at the veterinarian’s office. Teeth may become coated with plaque, and in this case you cannot do without a special brush.

In the summer, it is necessary to protect your pet from parasitic insects by putting a special collar on it. Also, do not forget about regular deworming.

How to feed?

The basis of your pet’s diet should be premium food or natural products. In the first case, the pet will not need additional vitamin and mineral complexes, and when eating natural products, you will have to take care of artificially enriching the products with useful substances.

Representatives of this breed spend a lot of energy during the day, so half of their diet should consist of protein foods. For meat, it is better to give preference to boiled beef, game, and chicken. Fermented milk products should be presented in the form of cottage cheese and cheese. The diet should also be supplemented with eggs, cereals, stewed vegetables and a small amount of seafood.

The dog needs to receive 3-4 servings of food per day. The amount of food consumed at one time should be small to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Appearance

Representatives of this breed are similar to Spanish water dogs and French barbets. The dogs have a proportional build, well-developed muscles, and average dimensions. Height and body weight vary slightly depending on gender: males are 54 cm long and weigh up to 23 kg, females are 46 cm and weigh 19-27 kg.

• the head is wide, medium in size, the forehead is convex;
• the muzzle is narrowed towards the base, the jaws are powerful;
• eyes are round, medium in size, brown or black;
• ears hanging, pressed tightly to the skull;
• the back is straight, the chest is wide, the stomach is tucked;
• paws are strong, straight, symmetrical to each other;
• the toes on the front paws are interspersed with webs;
• the tail is strong, widened at the base, and takes the shape of a ring during physical activity.

The hair of such a dog has no undercoat. The coat is thick, long, and curled. The hairs of this breed have water-repellent properties.

The color of Portuguese dogs varies - from beige to black. Spots of other shades are allowed (see photo).

Purpose of the breed

This breed was bred to help Portuguese fishermen. The work involved the versatile use of dogs. On land, they guarded boats with catch and fishing gear. While in the boat, thanks to their subtle sense, they recognized the location of a school of fish and notified the owner that it was time to cast the nets. In the water, the dogs helped drive in fish and pull out gear, monitoring communication between boats, and also kept in touch with the shore.

Modernization of the fishing industry put Portuguese dogs out of work, and their popularity as working dogs almost completely faded in the first half of the 20th century. In 1970, there were only 50 representatives of the breed in the world, but by 2008, thanks to the intensive popularization of the Portuguese, the number of dogs grew to 10 thousand.

These are dogs with a high level of temperament and sociability with humans. Portuguese dogs really need communication, so dogs make wonderful companions, conversationalists and just friends, especially if the owner leads an active lifestyle.

The Portuguese water character is multifaceted, combining diametrically opposed qualities:

intelligence coupled with willfulness; devotion with caution;

• discipline with childishness;
• love of freedom with love for the owner.

Interesting Facts

The Portuguese diver not only swims well, but also dives, so it is considered an amphibious dog. The dog deftly chases the departing fish and delivers it to its owner, and in case of poor visibility it warns by barking about dangers and obstacles.

The Portuguese diver is sometimes called the amphibious dog for its diving skills. Please note! The dog is able to work effectively in any weather, both at sea and on land. The frantic barking of the pet unmistakably warned the fishermen about the approaching school of fish even in the fog. The dog’s fur is close in structure to human hair, making it easier to move in the water, and its paws are webbed

The dog's fur is similar in structure to human hair, making it easier to move in water, and its paws are webbed.

It has been noticed that the Portuguese diver is able to relieve depression in people, which is why it is used in rehabilitation centers. Every amateur dog breeder who decides to purchase a “Portuguese” will be fascinated by its unique qualities, special character and performance.

Education and training

The Can Diagua is a breed that can learn easily and quickly. They freely master any training courses, trainings, and sports. Dogs can do any tricks. Puppies need challenging tasks. This is how they develop mental abilities. In case of possible failures, the puppy should be supported, otherwise he will lose interest in this type of exercise.

The Portuguese masters the commands the first time, but reinforcement is necessary. It is enough just once during a walk to make it clear where the toilet is, the puppy almost immediately begins to ask to go outside.

Raising a puppy begins as soon as it gets to its new home. You can include the basics of training and mandatory early socialization. Until the age of four months, the dog is trained independently, allowing it to communicate not only with representatives of other breeds, but also with other animals, especially cats.

It's a good idea to find a club that specializes in water rescue. Water-training breeds get along well with Portuguese dogs, since the functions of water-based dogs are very similar.

In what conditions should you keep your pet?

The optimal place for a Portuguese to live would be a home with large open spaces for playing and running. But it would be wrong to keep a dog outside for a whole year - the animal does not tolerate heat and cold well.

The apartment is also suitable for keeping a Can Diagua, but the dog will require a fair amount of time for daily jogging and walking. In this case, there is a guarantee that the animal will not destroy the furniture in the apartment, trying to get rid of excess energy.

The following dog breeds will feel best in apartment conditions: Pekingese, pug, Pomeranian, dachshund, Yorkshire terrier, Russian toy terrier, French bulldog, Chihuahua, Scotch terrier.

The pet needs to see its owner often and regularly. Without communication with him, alone, the animal quickly runs wild and aggression begins to appear.

Health

Despite a fairly good level of health and resistance to most diseases, this breed has several characteristic diseases, which can also be transmitted to offspring, namely:

• eye diseases - glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, distichiasis (appearance of additional rows of eyelashes);
• thyroid diseases;
• hypoadrenocorticism (insufficient secretion of adrenaline and cortisol);
• pancreatic insufficiency;
• various allergies;
• dysplasia (developmental disorder) of the hip joints.

Despite these dogs' love of swimming, it is important to ensure that they do not spend too much time in cold water, otherwise partial or complete hearing loss may occur. At an early age, puppies of this breed are often injured, so owners should limit their activity level and not leave them alone for a long time.

At an early age, puppies of this breed are often injured, so owners should limit their activity level and not leave them alone for a long time.

The average lifespan of these animals is from 10 to 14 years.

Content Features

The Portuguese Water Dog is absolutely unpretentious in terms of keeping. She can live in an enclosure, in a large private house or in a small apartment. She will be happy everywhere, provided she has close contact with her family and good physical activity. In everyday life she is quiet and unobtrusive, clean and tidy. In addition, its fur practically does not shed, has no specific odor and is suitable for allergy sufferers.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a hypoallergenic breed. She has no undercoat and shedding is weak. Owners who are allergic to dog fluff note that living together with a Portuguese does not cause them any problems. Before getting a puppy, you need to make sure that there is no individual reaction by closely communicating with adult representatives of the breed and kids.

The family of ex-President Obama lives with a Portuguese water dog (first photo in the gallery). The puppy was named Bo. We chose a pet taking into account the fact that our daughter Malia suffers from allergies.

The Portuguese Water Dog needs very good physical and mental exercise, which allows it to remain in good shape. This should be a daily long walk with varying rates of load. Be sure to give the opportunity to swim at least once a week, with the exception of the cold season.

Care

The Portuguese Water Dog's coat grows slowly and evenly throughout the body; seasonal shedding is not pronounced, so it needs to be regularly combed with a natural bristle brush, removing overripe hairs from the coat. Ears are cleaned approximately once a week. Remove accumulated wax from the ear canal and pluck out the hair. After swimming, it is recommended to dry your ears. Bathing is recommended once every 7-10 days. They use shampoos and conditioners that make the coat even silkier and pleasant to the touch. Brushing your teeth weekly will help prevent extremely unpleasant dental diseases.

The Portuguese Water Dog has an easily recognizable profile following the breed's typical Lion haircut. It is believed that it was originally developed by fishermen to free up a dog's legs for swimming, but at the same time keep vital organs warm.

Many owners give their Portuguese dogs a haircut to make them easier to care for and just for variety. Pets can have any haircut. At exhibitions, dogs are shown only in Lion or Working haircuts.

• Leo - the fur on the middle and back parts of the body, as well as on the muzzle, is completely cut off. The tip of the tail remains of natural length. On the head, neck, and front of the body it remains long, but trimmed, emphasizing a harmonious physique.
• Working - the bangs are cut so that the dog can see without interference. The hair throughout the body is trimmed to the same length, approximately 2.5-3 cm. It should show natural beauty and at the same time emphasize the athletic physique of the dog. The fur at the tip of the tail is left at natural length.

Nutrition

To maintain health and well-being, it is important that your Portuguese Water Dog receives adequate nutrition. This can be high-quality feed or home-cooked food

In any case, the diet must correspond to the dog’s age, its physiological needs and physical activity.

Some Portuguese are prone to gaining excess weight

It is important for owners of such dogs to monitor the calorie content of portions and the number of treats during training.

Nutrition

The only thing you need to worry about is nutrition. The dog must receive a full set of all elements.

An active lifestyle requires sufficient calorie foods, but at the same time, they are capable of gaining excess weight. This can lead to the development of diseases, and the animal's weight must be constantly monitored.

Where to buy a Spanish Water Dog puppy

The Spanish Water Dog is becoming increasingly popular outside its homeland. There are large nurseries in the CIS countries, in particular in Russia and Ukraine. But still, the main number of breeders is concentrated in Southern Europe.

When choosing a dog, it is worth remembering that the breeder is the person who will provide support in the first stages of the dog’s life and in the future. He must be competent in matters of breeding, training, and nutrition of Spanish divers. Tests that confirm the health of the parents are encouraged (at a minimum, genetic evaluation of the eyes and screening for dysplasia). In appearance and character, parents and puppies must meet the breed standard. It is worth picking up babies no earlier than 2.5-3 months.

Price

The average cost of a Spanish water dog puppy in Russia is 60,000 rubles. In Europe, a high-end baby costs around 2,000 euros. The price for promising teenagers can reach up to 3,500 euros. Pedigree dogs cost about the same in the USA.

Mating

It is recommended to check with an official breeder for reliable information about the breeding characteristics of the Portuguese Water Dog.

In any case, it is worth remembering the basic rules:

• Mating takes place no earlier than 20-22 months, usually after the third heat.
• Mating is planned for the period between 11 and 14 days after the start of discharge.
• The meeting of the “contenders” is always held on the territory of the dog.

Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”

Care and health

Both coat options require special care; the animals require daily brushing, which takes longer the longer the dog's coat. If you want to perform in a show, you will need regular trimming. You can learn it or seek help from professionals. What type of haircut to choose is a personal matter for everyone; care will be approximately the same.

The average life expectancy of a Portuguese diver is 10-14 years. This is considered normal for dogs of this size. The gene pool of dogs is small, despite the antiquity of the family. Caring for the Portuguese breed is otherwise the same as other breeds. They need a balanced diet or specially selected food. We must remember to monitor the dog’s health and appearance and, if necessary, contact specialists.

It’s very good if you can regularly walk your pet in places where there are bodies of water. This breed loves to swim and enjoys spending time in the water.