The Breed
The Portuguese water dog is a superior diver and swimmer, at home in the water and on land. This breed is strong and spirited, yet obedient and good-natured, traits that make it a favorite as both a working dog and family pet. Often referred to as a “thinking” dog, it learns quickly and thrives on new challenges. After having mastered a task, it will often attempt to improvise or modify it. A natural retriever, this high-energy dog needs to work — whether in water, obedience, tracking, or agility tests.

Work History
True to its name, the dog was acclaimed for centuries along Portugal’s coast as a robust, seafaring breed. An exceptional swimmer and diver, it was considered a working part of a ship’s crew and assisted fishermen by driving schools of fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle and equipment, and carrying messages between ships as well as to shore. As marine technology increased, dependence on the dog decreased until they faced near extinction.

American interest in the breed didn’t take hold until the last quarter of the 20th century. In 1972, only 12 Portuguese water dogs existed in the United States, but a dedicated group of breeders worked diligently to propagate the species, and within 10 years, the dogs’ numbers increased to 650. Today, there are roughly 10,000 in America, and they are often used in water rescue.

Physical Qualifications

Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds

Special Adaptations for Work: Ruggedly built, the Portuguese water dog has a well-proportioned body and a broad-based tail that acts as a rudder when swimming. Webbed feet and a thick, waterproof coat enable it to dive to depths of 12 feet and to swim a distance of up to five miles.