Also called Cão de Água Português, Cão de Água Algarvio, Portuguese Fishing Dog, PWD · Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs · Portugal
A clever, spirited and tireless dog with a bold, adventurous streak.
what they are likePortuguese Water Dog temperament
A clever, spirited and tireless dog with a bold, adventurous streak. It is loving and eager to learn, bonds closely with its people and wants to be part of everything the family does.1324
how to spot onePortuguese Water Dog coat and colours
single coat, curly or wavy
A dense single coat with no undercoat, in two types: tight, compact curls or softer, looser waves with a slight shine. It sheds very little.132
Coloursblackbrownwhiteblack and whitebrown and white13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Water Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksPortuguese Water Dog exercise needs
A true working water dog that needs more than 40 minutes of exercise a day; swimming, retrieving and training games suit it well.21
where they are happiestPortuguese Water Dog at home
Does best living indoors with its family rather than in a kennel, with access to exercise and ideally water.2
who they like aroundPortuguese Water Dog with people and other pets
Needs plenty of human company; usually gets on with other dogs and cats it is raised with, and can be reserved with strangers.2
the hands-on bitsPortuguese Water Dog grooming and care
High-maintenance coat: regular brushing and combing to stop mats, plus baths and clipping every few weeks. Owners usually choose either the lion clip or the even retriever clip.231
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Portuguese Water Dog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Portuguese Water Dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to suit your routine, but a consistent schedule helps digestion. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Portuguese Water Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always ask your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Portuguese Water Dog?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months, or more often if your dog gets dirty. Its coat needs regular bathing and clipping every few weeks to stay healthy.7231Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Portuguese Water Dog need brushing?
Brush your Portuguese Water Dog every two days to prevent mats, as its single coat is high-maintenance. Regular combing is also needed to keep the curls or waves tangle-free.231Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Portuguese Water Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or groomer to show you how if unsure.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
This active breed needs more than 40 minutes of exercise daily, including swimming, retrieving, and training games. It thrives on activities that engage its working-dog spirit.21
How do I look after a Portuguese Water Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth every two days (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture since floppy ears trap it. Never push anything into the ear canal; just dry the outer ear gently.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Portuguese Water Dog live?
A Portuguese Water Dog typically lives between 10 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, this loving breed bonds closely with its family and usually gets along with children, other dogs, and cats it is raised with. It can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation is key.2134
Can a Portuguese Water Dog be left alone?
This breed needs plenty of human company and does best living indoors with its family. It can be left alone for short periods, but may become anxious or bored if left for long. Ask your vet or a good breeder for tailored advice.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchPortuguese Water Dog health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Portuguese Water Dog. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
Abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis; parents should have hip scores. Wikipedia breed article; OFA/CHIC hip evaluation for the breed ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd)
An inherited eye disease causing night blindness and later full blindness; a DNA test finds carriers. Wikipedia breed article (Optigen DNA test) ↗
GM1 storage disease
A fatal inherited nerve disorder that shows at around six months; DNA testing of breeding dogs has almost removed it from the breed. Wikipedia breed article ↗
Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
A fatal inherited heart disease of young puppies; a DNA test lets breeders avoid mating two carriers. Wikipedia breed article ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Portuguese Water Dog costs
Running costs for a Portuguese Water Dog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Portuguese Water Dog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Portuguese Water Dog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Portuguese Water Dog tip
Porties are clever and food motivated, so treats are brilliant for training, but keep them modest and count them in their daily calories to avoid weight gain. If your dog has a sensitive tummy or itchy skin, choose treats with limited ingredients and check with your vet before introducing anything new.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Fishermen used these dogs to carry messages between boats and from boat to shore.3
2
The traditional lion clip leaves a plume of full-length hair at the tip of the tail.1
3
US President Barack Obama's family had two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny.3
4
A stud dog named Leão (1931-1942) from Vasco Bensaude's Algarbiorum kennel was hugely influential in saving the breed.3
5
The breed standard notes it will dive under water to retrieve fish that escape the nets.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as the Cão de Água Português, originated from the Algarve region of Portugal, where it was historically used as a fishing dog.8
I wake up with the sun and the smell of the sea. My human throws my rope toy, and I dive into the waves like a fish with fur. After a good swim, we play fetch on the beach, and I show off my fancy lion clip. Back home, I help with everything, carrying the mail, herding the kids, and even 'supervising' the laundry. I'm not just a pet; I'm part of the crew. At dinner time, I rest my head on my human's lap, ready for round two of adventures tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganPortuguese Water Dog history
For centuries these dogs worked with Portuguese fishermen, herding fish into nets, fetching lost gear and swimming messages between boats. As fishing modernised the breed dwindled, until shipping magnate Vasco Bensaude revived it in the 1930s. American fanciers founded the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America in 1972.132
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