Portuguese water dog
If you want to know the history of the Portuguese water dog, know that it is a very old breed, it is estimated that in the fifteenth century there were already specimens. Documents from the time were found to recount how these dogs accompanied Portuguese sailors on their commercial and fishing trips. But it is no coincidence that these dogs have lived maritime adventures, since the breed is known for its ability to swim and its great intelligence. Did you know that your main job in fishing was to jump into the water and hunt fish in fishermen’s nets? They were even in charge of managing the nets or hunting the fish that had escaped.
- This dog was so appreciated that some began to call it by the nickname “Portie”.
- This is not surprising.
- Because thanks to its good vision it allowed the navigators to know when other boats approached.
- Even in a lot of fog.
- Acting as an anti-collision siren.
- Although during the twentieth century the breed suffered a severe decline that almost led to its extinction in the 1960s.
- A group of breeders managed to recover it and the breed became very popular in the 1980s in the United States.
- Being accepted by AKC in 1984.
- After that.
- It spread throughout Europe and almost all over the world.
- Being reborn from the ashes.
The Portuguese water dog is a dog of medium size, whose weight is usually between 16 and 27 kilos and the height to the cross is proportional to the weight, ranging between 43 and 47 centimeters. Females are smaller in weight and size.
Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their very strong bodies, with powerful and developed muscles, strong and powerful limbs. The chest is wide and deep, the tail is wider at the base and narrower as it approaches the tip. Its head is broad, but very proportional, with a snout that narrows towards the nose and a very sharp stop. The eyes of the Portuguese water dog are round, dark and medium-sized. The ears are very close to the head and its skin is extremely thin.
The fur of Portuguese water dogs can be long or short. Examples of short hair have more curly and dense hair, while those with long hair, the hair is more wavy and shiny. Regardless of length, the colors accepted in Portuguese water dogs are black, white or brown in different shades, as well as different combinations of these colors. On the other hand, these dogs do not have woolly subpelos in the fur, nor exchange hairs, being considered hypoallergenic dogs since they do not affect people allergic to dog hair.
Although the Portuguese breed of water dog is very affable, they are not sticky dogs as they are quite independent. However, they need constant contact with their owners, so this is not a recommended breed for those who cannot devote much time and attention to the dog.
They are very intelligent and active animals, so they need a lot of stimulation, both physical and mental. Thus, research games, intelligence circuits and agility are ideal for them to practice physical activity while developing their intellectual abilities.
They are dogs able to live with other dogs and cats, as long as they are used to them in the most timely and respectful way for both. On the contrary, it is not recommended to have them with rodents or birds, as it is not always possible to guarantee that they will not attack or hurt you when trying to play with them. However, by adopting a Portuguese water dog as a puppy, it is possible to control this behavior through an early socialization.
The hair of the Portuguese water dog is not suitable for inexperienced or impatient people, since by its characteristics, this hair takes a long time to become shiny and untangled, especially in long-haired specimens, whose fur can be very embarrassed. Therefore, it is recommended to go to a hairdresser specialized in this type of breed, which can leave your pet in its best version, also making the necessary haircuts and bathing the dog, which must be done quite frequently.
When keeping the fur at home, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least once a day, with a special brush for dense and long hair. In addition to hair care, the Portuguese water dog also needs many extra care compared to other breeds of dogs, since it is necessary to provide a balanced diet, with clean and fresh water, daily physical activity and very, very affection.
The Portuguese water dog is one of the smartest breeds of dogs. To improve the mental development of these dogs, it is necessary to offer them an enriched environment, so that they can exercise their intellect. Activities are recommended in which the dog must think about solutions or perform complex activities, allowing him to find ways to achieve different goals.
In general, it is a breed very easy to educate, as long as you are constant and firm with them, because they are very docile dogs, they learn without needing many repetitions. So teach them useful and fun tricks, such as opening or closing doors, doing pirouettes, etc. However, it is essential to carry out a positive education, leaving aside the punishments, because it will demotivate the animal and cause the appearance of associated disorders. or behavioral problems, such as fear, stress or anxiety.
On the other hand, for both the Portuguese water dog puppy and the adult, as we have already said, it is essential to have an adequate socialization, especially if there are other animals in the house that are neither dogs nor cats.
Although the Portuguese water dog does not stand out because it has many diseases that affect it particularly, it seems to have a certain propensity to suffer hip dysplasia, so it is necessary to take extreme precautions regarding the movements it performs, trying to avoid it. forcing the hip in its activities. Frequent veterinary consultations will also be required to detect joint abnormalities, as well as vaccines and general tests to determine your pet’s health status.
It should be noted that the breed suffers from a strange disease called storage disease, which consists of a modification of the production of certain enzymes. You may also have other conditions, such as alopecia, progressive retinal atrophy or juvenile cardiomyopathy, but don’t worry, because the prevalence of these diseases isn’t very high.