5 Facts About Portuguese Water Dogs

portuguese water dog puppy standing on a table outside

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for being friendly and lovable working dogs that absolutely love the water. Here are a few more facts about Portuguese Water Dogs:

1. Portuguese Water Dogs Are Built for the Water

The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the dog breeds that love water. Given their background and the fact that they were bred for the water, it’s no wonder that they love swimming.

Their webbed feet and thick, water-resistant coat make them great swimmers The Portuguese even sometimes call this dog a “Cao de Agua” or “Dog of Water” because they’re known for loving the water so much.

2. They Were a “Fishermen’s Friend”

Much like the Newfoundland, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred for the water and was originally used to assist fishermen. The PWD was often found working with Portuguese fishermen. They would often retrieve any equipment that fell overboard and were also often used to “herd” fish into a fishing boat’s or fisherman’s net.

3. Portuguese Water Dogs Are Great For Families

These dogs tend to have an open, friendly disposition and a playful personality. They tend to get along well with children and do well with other dogs, other pets, and even strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. This makes them a great fit for families!

4. They Make a Good Running Partner

The Portuguese Water Dog was bred for endurance, which makes them one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You don’t want to jump into this high-impact activity before puppies finish growing as it could damage developing bones and joints.

But, once they’re done growing, running can be a great activity to help your PWD get enough daily exercise. As a high-energy dog breed, they’ll just be happy to have the chance to be active with you and use up some energy.

PWDs are also athletic and versatile dogs. In addition to running once they’re done growing, they are also a good fit for agility training, dock diving, and other dog sports. You can also teach them to play frisbee or fetch. And, of course, swimming with your dog is always an option and is a great low-impact activity for a Portuguese Water Dog even as they grow.

5. PWDs Are Good for First-Time Owners

Portuguese Water Dogs are a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent, so they pick up on things quickly. This also tends to make them easy to house-train.

Additionally, they are eager to please and connect with their owners. As long as first-time dog owners can handle their high energy and keep them from getting bored, the PWD will be a good fit. Puppy training classes are always an option, even if you just go to socialize a puppy.

These are just a few facts about Portuguese Water Dogs. If they sound like the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Portuguese Water Dog puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family!