As the name would suggest, the Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal. Its name in the native land means ‘dog of water’ and they have been used for a variety of jobs in the water. Their hair style served a purpose as well, the fisherman would shave the dogs rear and their muzzle to assist in agile movement through the water. They would keep the hair thick around the mid-section to help keep their vital organs warm and protect them from any injury. They called this the lion cut for the way it made them look similar to a lion once they had been clipped. The PWD was able to herd and catch fish and retrieve anything from the water to return to their fisherman. They were also used as a form of communication, transporting messages between boats. Over time they were no longer needed for such jobs as they were replaced by technology and in the 1930’s the breed’s numbers dropped. They were kept going by Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese man who began his own breeding program in attempt to save the breed.
The PWD is a medium size breed who today you will find in both full coat and trimmed to the same lion cut used many years ago. Their coat is single layered but very thick and will appear curly or wavy. Their coat colours are black, white, shades of brown, dark spots or parti colours or silver fox/grey.
As a pet, the PWD is a very energetic, lively, loving breed of dog who of course loves to be in water! They are great with kids so make the perfect family pet, providing they get plenty of exercise. They do have a great stamina but once they burn their mental and physical energy they will calm. They are a brave and very intelligent dog, they love to learn and thrive on being put to work. They are ideal for any line of agility or dog sports. This is a great avenue for them to burn their energy and be calm and relaxed once back at home with their family.
This information and more can be found HERE!
The PWD is a medium size breed who today you will find in both full coat and trimmed to the same lion cut used many years ago. Their coat is single layered but very thick and will appear curly or wavy. Their coat colours are black, white, shades of brown, dark spots or parti colours or silver fox/grey.
As a pet, the PWD is a very energetic, lively, loving breed of dog who of course loves to be in water! They are great with kids so make the perfect family pet, providing they get plenty of exercise. They do have a great stamina but once they burn their mental and physical energy they will calm. They are a brave and very intelligent dog, they love to learn and thrive on being put to work. They are ideal for any line of agility or dog sports. This is a great avenue for them to burn their energy and be calm and relaxed once back at home with their family.
This information and more can be found HERE!
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