Portuguese Water Dog
Discover the Portuguese Water Dog's history, health risks, and unique traits from their fishing origins to modern service roles.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, single-coated working breed from Portugal that requires regular grooming and intensive mental exercise. While often associated with the Obama family, the breed's history is rooted in fishing trawlers where they herded fish and carried messages between ships.
Size and build differ from the Poodle
Despite sharing a common ancestor with the Standard Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog is built more robustly with stout legs and a solid, muscular body. Males typically stand 20 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds. They are off-square, meaning they are slightly longer than they are tall, and their eyes are either black or various tones of brown.
Coat types and the traditional lion cut
These dogs have a single-layered coat that does not shed, though the lack of scientific evidence for "hypoallergenic" breeds means allergy sufferers should still test their own reactions. The coat comes in two varieties: curly, which forms compact cylindrical curls, or wavy, which falls gently with a slight sheen. Because the hair grows indefinitely, it must be brushed every other day and trimmed every two months to prevent matting and vision obstruction.
The traditional lion cut was designed for working dogs jumping from boats into cold Atlantic water. It involves shaving the hindquarters, muzzle, and base of the tail, leaving the body full length and a flag of hair on the tail. This style reduced the shock of cold water on the vitals while allowing the powerful, rudder-like tail to function without drag.
Vocalisation and service work potential
Portuguese Water Dogs possess a multi-octave voice and are generally quiet, but they will bark loudly to warn of approaches or communicate specific desires. They are capable of "expressive panting," making a distinct "ha-ha-ha-ha" sound to invite play or signal a desire for food. Their high intelligence and biddability make them ideal candidates for hearing-ear or deaf-assistance dogs, as they can be trained to bark at a ringing phone and then locate their owner.
Temperament requires constant engagement
This breed is loving and independent but bonds intensely with one primary family member, a trait likely developed from working in close proximity to masters on small fishing boats. They are not suitable for being left alone for long periods and will become destructive if bored. Their strong retrieving instinct often manifests as tugging, chewing, and jumping, and some individuals may stand upright at counters to "surf" for food.
Genetic health risks to monitor
Like many purebreds with a limited gene pool, Portuguese Water Dogs are vulnerable to specific hereditary conditions that require proactive testing. Hip dysplasia is a risk, but checking pedigrees and health clearances can significantly reduce the likelihood. More serious concerns include juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy, which is fatal and often strikes between six weeks and seven months of age, and GM1 storage disease, a recessive genetic disorder that causes neurological decline and is typically fatal by six months.
Eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also present, with the latter causing night blindness that can lead to total blindness. DNA testing is available to identify carriers of these genes, and responsible breeding practices now screen for these defects to eliminate them from the population. While the breed was nearly extinct in the 1930s, dedicated breeders like Vasco Bensaude and Deyanne Miller have restored the population, though the genetic bottleneck remains a factor for new owners to consider.
Popularity and historical significance
The breed is relatively rare, with only 36 entered in Great Britain's Crufts competition in 2013. Their profile rose significantly when they were selected by US President Barack Obama, who owned two of them, Bo and Sunny. The breed's non-shedding qualities have driven recent popularity, even though the term "hypoallergenic" is technically a misnomer in scientific terms.