portuguese water dogs

The Portuguese Water Dog is a spirited working dog that loves to be in the water. The "Portie" was originally bred to assist fishermen at sea, and is an excellent swimmer and retriever. This breed made headlines in recent years as the First Dogs to the Obamas, Bo, and Sunny, were both Portuguese Water Dogs. Porties are often confused with a similar breed, the Poodle, and like to stay active and show affection. They are loving, loyal and dependable, and make great family pets.

The Portugese Water Dog is a very old dog breed originating on the coast of Portugal with a life expectancy is 11 – 13 years.  They are a medium-sized dog weighing 35 – 60 pounds.  While most Portugese Water Dogs are generally healthy, they run the risk of being diagnosed with at least one of these health conditions in their lifetime, so it is important to know what to look out for. Always contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice any physical or behavioral changes.

Potential Health Conditions:

• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Small Eye Syndrome, Micropthalmia, (MO)

• Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM)

• Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Retinal Dysplasia, EO PRA

• GM1 Gangliosidosis

• Follicular Dysplasia

• Addison's Disease, Hypoadrenocorticism

• Cancer

• Aberrant Eyelashes, Distichiasis

• Cataracts

• Recurring seizures, Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE)

• Hypothyroidism

Suggested Screening:

• Hip evaluation

• GM1 gangliosidosis – DNA test

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRAA) – DNA test

• Microphthalmia syndrome (MO) – DNA test

• Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) – DNA test

• Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Retinal Dysplasia, EO PRA – DNA test

• Eye examination

Routine care:

• Spay or neuter

• Controlled exercise

• Ear care

Portuguese Water Dogs love to be active and should have room to run. Make sure they get daily exercise, such as long walks or swims. Consider agility training to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

They are smart and independent, so while they can be easily trained, they can also sometimes be stubborn! Make sure you introduce training when your puppy is young,

Although Portuguese Water Dogs don't shed much, their curly coats should be groomed regularly to prevent mats.

They love being social so make sure they get lots of interaction with people and other pets.