The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, hard working dog that was bred to help fishermen. They generally get along well with other dogs but should be socialized when young for other pets. If at all possible, they need plenty of exercise and if there can be water involved, you have a happy dog. They are said to love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Portuguese Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Be on the lookout for skin conditions, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog has a profuse, heavy coat of either curly or wavy hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.
Life Span
The Portuguese Water Dog can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugal where they were used to herd fish for fishermen. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1983.
The Irish Water Spaniel is considered to be one of the most adept of the hunting breeds at working the water and the land. His admirers believe that in many respects the dog should be classified in the Spaniel group since they believe that the dog has no equal when it comes to it's ability to retrieve the fallen birds out of the water and it uses also the skills of pointing and retrieving when hunting on land.
The Irish Water spaniel, as the name implies, originally comes from the country of Ireland. At one time there were two of these types of dogs, a northern and a southern, but there do not seem to be any descendants of the type which used to flourish in the north of Ireland.
The Water Spaniel that exists today is the Irish Water Spaniel which originated in southern Ireland, a strong and athletic curly coated dog with a sense of humor and a clownish personality which endears him to his owners. He is a hunting dog of great ability. Breeders through the years have done a fine job of maintaining this dogs instinctive abilities and at the same time maintaining the structure and soundness of the breed. He possesses a thick tightly curled rather short coat which is oily by nature. This coat should not be "woolly" and should be exceedingly water proof.
This is a coat that will mat and will also form cords if not cared for on a regular basis. The tail is long, the ears likewise are long and are covered with longer curls, while there is also a "topknot" of longer curls on the top of the skull which hangs down over the top of the head. The color is a dark liver. The dog has a "barrel" rib cage which lends a roll to his gait; this is not common among dogs of hunting origin, but the build of his ribs allows for great endurance when swimming.
The old adage "form follows function" is true for this breed as this is a dog that is obviously built to swim and to retrieve from the water. With powerful jaws and a front and rear that is built for strength and endurance while swimming and the added performance as a hunting dog on the land, this is a dog that has attracted many admirers as an all around hunting dog of great ability.
The Irish Water Spaniel should be accustomed early to training, for he is very smart and is considered to be somewhat of an independent thinker; probably this is a dog that is not suitable for a "first time" dog owner. He can be headstrong and is active by nature, a playful and energetic dog that requires plenty of exercise.
Typically gun dogs are quite intelligent and usually will think up their own diversions if not given something to do and the Irish Water Spaniel is no exception. He needs daily exercise and if allowed to be in the household he thrives on human companionship. He is a dog that will prove his loyalty and affection for his master and will provide hours of hunting pleasure when properly trained.