Portuguese Water Dog
Overview
Bred along Portugal's coast to herd fish into nets and retrieve gear from the sea, this curly-coated working dog is intelligent, athletic and famously low-shedding. Keen, trainable and loves water. It suits active owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental work and keep up with the regular grooming a non-shedding curly coat demands.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Portuguese Water Dog is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Portuguese Water Dog typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Portuguese Water Dog should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Intelligent, athletic and very low-shedding
- +Loves water and learns fast
Things to consider
- –High energy and a curly coat that needs regular grooming
- –Needs plenty of exercise and mental work
Is a Portuguese Water Dog right for you?
On space, a Portuguese Water Dog is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Portuguese Water Dog
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Portuguese Water Dogs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Portuguese Water Dog needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Portuguese Water Dogs are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Portuguese Water Dog is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.