PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
ABOUT THE BREED
The Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. PWD's are a loyal companion and alert guard.
This highly intelligent utilitarian breed is distinguished by two coat types, either curly or wavy; an impressive head of considerable breadth and well proportioned mass; a ruggedly build, well-knit body; and a powerful, thickly based tail, carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder.
The Portuguese Water Dog provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness.
TEMPERAMENT
An animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works.
HEALTH
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their stock for health disorders and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed's unique qualities.
GROOMING
Portuguese Water Dogs have hair like we do; That is why there are fewer people allergies with PWDs. If we don’t care for our hair - we get knots. The same matted situation happens with Portuguese Water Dog.
We recommend daily brushing and combing. This is one of their jobs for life. If you keep your dog long coated, more grooming is required; If you trim your dog short, less coat care is required.
We will demonstrate how to line brush your pup. Many groomers offer puppy packages which is a great plan. Also nail care and teeth care is important.
EXERCISE
The Portuguese Water Dog requires exercise every day to keep it healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long daily walks and play sessions with his owner. This extremely versatile breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, dock diving, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owner.
For many enthusiasts, the most special of all the training and exercise options for the Portuguese Water Dog is water work.
TRAINING
The Portuguese Water Dog is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. The breed is demanding of attention and human contact, and greets friends and family with unbridled enthusiasm. The breed often thinks independently, and a PWD may sometimes challenge his owner's will.
The breed requires positive training method as well as daily mental and physical exercise. PWD can sometimes be too exuberant for families with very young children.
NUTRITION
For 25 years+ we have been feeding a natural diet for our dogs here at SkipNstone. We have been so fortunate with the health of our dogs and have very few vet expenses except for reproduction costs and genetic testing.
We are happy to discuss feeding with you and will support your feeding decisions.
HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG ONCE LIVED ALL ALONG PORTUGAL'S COAST, AND WAS USED TO HERD FISH INTO NETS, RETRIEVE LOST TACKLE, AND ACT AS A MESSENGER BETWEEN SHIPS AND SHORE. FISHERMEN COUNTED ON THE STRONG AND MUSCULAR DOGS TO BE HARDWORKING AND SEAWORTHY. THEY WOULD RIDE IN TRAWLERS FROM THE WARM ATLANTIC WATERS OF PORTUGAL TO THE FREEZING COLD WATERS OFF THE COAST OF ICELAND. TECHNOLOGY EVENTUALLY LAID HIM OFF FROM HIS JOB, BUT PWD'S ARE STILL USED FOR WATER RESCUE.