Portugese Water Dog Breed Guide

Feb 07, 2025

The Portuguese Water Dog, affectionately known as the “Portie,” is a spirited, intelligent, and loyal breed that thrives on activity and companionship. Originally bred to assist fishermen along Portugal’s coast, these dogs are known for their love of water, boundless energy, and sharp minds. Whether you’re looking for a working partner or a fun-loving family dog, the Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent choice.

THE BASICS

Category: Utility
Size: Medium
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Frequent (every few days)
Coat Length: Curly or wavy
Shedding: Minimal
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections
Home Needs: Large house with a large garden
Sociability: Friendly and loyal, usually good with other pets and children

A BRIEF HISTORY: FROM FISHERMEN’S PARTNER TO FAMILY COMPANION

The Portuguese Water Dog has its roots in coastal Portugal, where they were bred to help fishermen with various tasks. These versatile dogs retrieved nets, carried messages between boats, and even herded fish into nets. Their waterproof coats and strong swimming abilities made them indispensable to the fishing communities.

By the mid-20th century, the breed faced decline due to modernisation in the fishing industry. However, dedicated breeders helped preserve these incredible pooches, and they’ve since become popular family pets and even therapy dogs.

PORTUGUESE WATER DOG PERSONALITY: LOYAL, ENERGETIC, AND INTELLIGENT

Portuguese Water Dogs are a delightful mix of energy and affection. They’re highly loyal to their families and love being involved in all activities. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, though their playful and independent streak means training should be consistent and fun.

They’re friendly with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them fantastic family dogs. Their social nature means they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods and thrive in homes where they’re included as part of the action.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A PORTUGUESE WATER DOG NEED?

Portuguese Water Dogs are active dogs that need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily. They excel at activities like swimming, fetch, agility, and obedience training. Given their history as working dogs, they love tasks that challenge their minds and bodies, making them ideal for sports and water-based activities.

If you have access to a safe swimming area, your Portuguese Water Dog will be in their element, happily splashing and paddling for hours. They also enjoy hiking and other outdoor adventures with their families.

HOW TO GROOM A PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

The Portuguese Water Dog’s curly or wavy coat is low-shedding, but it does require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Brush their coat every few days and schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep them looking their best.

Regular ear cleaning is important, especially for a breed that loves water, as moisture can lead to infections. Nail trims, dental care, and an occasional bath (more often if they’ve been swimming) will keep them healthy and comfortable.

HEALTH: SUPPORTING YOUR PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy but can be prone to a few breed-specific conditions, such as:

Hip dysplasia: A common issue in medium-sized breeds.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition.
Heart conditions: Including juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy in some lines.

Routine vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will help ensure your Portie lives a long and happy life.

FUN FACTS ABOUT PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS

Presidential Pup: The most famous Portuguese Water Dogs are Bo and Sunny, owned by the Obama family during Barack Obama’s presidency.
Water Wonders: These dogs have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.
Long-Standing Helpers: They’ve been working alongside fishermen for centuries, earning their reputation as hardworking and reliable companions.

LIVING WITH A PORTUGUESE WATER DOG: AN ACTIVE AND LOVING PARTNER

Life with a Portuguese Water Dog is full of joy and activity. These dogs are happiest in homes where they’re included in family life, with plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. They adapt well to various living situations, but they thrive in homes with access to outdoor spaces and nearby water.

Their intelligence and energy levels mean they’re best suited for families or individuals who enjoy training and engaging with their dog. With their playful nature and loving personality, they’re guaranteed to keep you smiling.

IS THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG RIGHT FOR YOU?

The Portuguese Water Dog might be your perfect match if:

You’re looking for an active and intelligent dog.
You enjoy outdoor activities, especially near water.
You’re prepared to invest time in grooming and regular exercise.

They might not be the best fit if:

You prefer a low-energy or low-maintenance breed.
You’re unable to provide consistent companionship or stimulation.
You live in a very hot climate without access to cooling options.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is an energetic and intelligent breed, originally bred to assist fishermen with retrieving nets and messages from the water. With their thick, waterproof coat and high working drive, they thrive on a protein-rich diet to maintain their lean muscle mass and boundless energy. Whether they’re splashing through waves or relaxing at home, a complete and balanced diet with the right mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is essential to fuel their active lifestyle.

As a breed that’s always on the move, joint and coat health are key. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps to support their dense, curly coat and maintain strong, flexible joints—especially important for a dog that spends so much time running, jumping, and swimming. Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to weight gain if overfed, so portion control is essential, particularly for those who aren’t as active.

Thankfully, we’ve got just the thing… Scrumbles! Our recipes are designed with gut health in mind, packed with pre, pro, and postbiotics, all-natural ingredients, and no nasties. They’re pawfect for Portuguese Water Dogs—so you can take your pick of the bunch!

Our recipes are the ideal choice for Portuguese Water Dog owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Portuguese Water Dogs are active and adventurous, requiring high-quality nutrition to fuel their boundless energy. Scrumbles uses only natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and fillers, so your Portuguese Water Dog gets the nutrition they deserve.
Joint Health: The Portuguese Water Dog is an active, agile breed, and their joints need proper care to keep them strong and flexible. To support healthy joints and mobility, it's important to provide a diet rich in nutrients that can promote joint health. Our Turkey Dry Dog Food is a great option, as it’s packed with high-quality protein and added Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which help reduce inflammation and support joint function.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet, we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a wonderful blend of intelligence, loyalty, and energy. Whether they’re splashing in the water, playing with the family, or snuggling on the sofa, these dogs bring joy and companionship to every moment. Ready to welcome a Portuguese Water Dog into your life? They’ll reward you with devotion, laughter, and plenty of wet pawprints!