Lusitanian Water Dogs – or just PWDs , for short – are medium - built dogs that look alike to Poodles due to their thick coats . Though there are write records of the stock as far back as 1297 , it was first recognise by the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) in 1983 . These frankfurter have risen in popularity since 2008 , thanks in part to the adoption of Bo and gay by the Obama family , the First Family of the United States .
Origin and History
The Portuguese Water Dog originated from dogs used by Portuguese fishermen to assist with regain cogwheel from the water system , mail content from boat to gravy boat , and driving fish into nets . There is a usual theory that the PWD was developed from the Poodle due to their original duty in Germany as a water system retriever .
This strain nigh disappeared in the early 20th one C as the traditional sportfishing industry begin to decline , until a loaded Portuguese humanity namedVasco Bensaudesaved the strain by developing a fan club . A breed standard was developed and the PWD began to come out at dog shows .
Despite the fact that there were only 12 known PWDs in the United States at the prison term , thePortuguese Water Dog Club of Americawas found in 1972 . TheAKC welcomed the dogsto its Miscellaneous Class , a character of transfer point for breeds awaiting full identification , which the breed received just 10 years later when their numbers had climbed to 650 .
Breed Characteristics
Portuguese Water Dogs total in a smorgasbord of temperaments . Some are strong - willed , while others are more put down - back , with the absolute majority falling somewhere in between .
General Appearance
At first glance , a Portuguese Water Dog looks interchangeable to a Poodle due to their profuse coat , but up closely , you’re able to see well-defined difference . According to the AKC standard , manful PWDs average between 42 and 60 pounds , while female person average out 25 to 50 pounds . A virile PWD has an idealistic height of 22 inches at the shoulder , while females are ordinarily 19 inches tall at the shoulder . This medium - sized breed usually has a muscular build and strong os .
The coat of these dogs is one of their greatest plus . The coating get fabulously chummy and provides excellent insulation . It is virtually waterproof and allows them to expend long hours swimming in cold water . It should also be notice that these dogs do not shed , and while it can not be say that any breed is trulyhypoallergenic , many arrogate that these dogs produce fewer allergic reactions than many other breed .
PWDs fall in two coating change , neither of which is favored over the other .
Colors admit :
Temperament
The personality of the medium PWD is a wonderful combination of spirit , uncouth sense , and a willingness to cooperate and please . Bred for endurance , PWDs tend to not be overactive and can make wonderful companions for grownup and children under the right conditions . They get along well with other dogs and can be groom to take over computerized axial tomography if they are conjure up with them as youngsters .
One affair potential owners must substantiate is that PWDs are devoted to their mass , and they require a good pot of attending to remain well adjusted . PWDs do not thrive on being left alone most of the day without company . Boredom lead to frustration , and frustration can precede to behavior trouble .
Training
PWDs love to work closely with human companions , so you will find PWDs train with greater ease than many other breeds . However , these dogs are main thinker , which make it necessary for you to take the leadership positioning from the beginning . They reply well to confirming training methods because they have such a strong desire to please . rough reprimands will only slow down the learnedness process . Lusitanian Water Dogs love to participate in near any activeness , includingobedience , legerity , retrieving , and other field sports .
Exercise Requirements
Bred to be a working hotdog , the gymnastic PWD postulate daily exercise and mental stimulation . Plan on taking a walk of life with your dog every daytime to aid them burn off excess vigour . However , much more bodily function is likely require .
Because these frump love the water so much , you should take your pet swimming a couple metre a hebdomad if you’re able to manage it . relegate a full swim , a wake game of fetch along the shoreline also provides plenty of exercise and stimulation . Playing fetch asks your dog to perform a task , and by giving your dog a job to fulfill , they ’ll experience more substance .
Lack of proper physical exertion and society can lead to destructive conduct , such as rupture up furniture or jaw your belongings .
Health
This moderately robust breed has a few serious wellness problems that you should be cognisant of :
Distichiasis : This disease may seem at any time in a PWD ’s life wherein the eyelashes unusually produce in the eyelid margin . Ocular vexation is a distinctive end effect of such abnormality .
Lifespan
On mean , PWDs survive between 10 and 14 years .
Grooming
To prevent matting , ensure to brush and bath these dogs consistently . There aretwo main trimming :
Fun Facts About the Breed
Purchasing or Adopting a Portuguese Water Dog
If you ’re looking for a Portuguese Water Dog puppy , a serious billet to set out is the website of thePortuguese Water Dog Club of America ( PWDCA ) . They have a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to notice responsible stock breeder with quality dogs . TheAKC Marketplacepage also has a stock breeder search .
The average cost to buy a purebred Portuguese Water Dog is around $ 2,000 . Add in the cost of registrations , certificate , puppy wellness fear , and immunizations , and your initial layout could be much more . There are a few factor that can affect the price of a PWD , admit age , stock breeder , gender , pelage , personality , and demeanour .
Rescue Organizations
Although Portuguese Water Dogs can be buy from reputable stock breeder , there are also a few saving organisation that are devoted to the breed :
Is a PWD Right for You?
Portuguese Water Dogs are wonderful pet for the right-hand people . If you are prepare for the challenge of live on with a expectant and energetic hotdog who require regular grooming , you just may find that this wonderful dog makes the perfect add-on to your household .
