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Portuguese Water Dog

Loved by 80% of pet parents

Energetic, loyal, and highly trainable, this breed thrives in active families and loves water-based activities. Curly-coated and affectionate, it forms strong bonds with both adults and children.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

50–57 cm (male)

43–52 cm (female)

WEIGHT

19–27 kg (male)

16–23 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

11–13 years

Portuguese Water Dog: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Portuguese Water Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Portuguese Water Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Portuguese Water Dogs are typically friendly, spirited, and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families and often showing a playful, outgoing nature toward people and other pets.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Outgoing and affectionate with family and friends

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Highly energetic, needs plenty of daily activity

Playfulness

Loves games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability

Adjusts well to new environments and routines

Strengths

Excellent swimmer and natural water retriever
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Loyal and forms strong family bonds
Generally healthy with robust constitution
Low-shedding, hypoallergenic curly coat

Challenges

Needs daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation
Can be prone to separation anxiety
Regular grooming required to prevent matting
May become destructive if bored or under-stimulated
Can be wary of strangers without early socialization

Protect your Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Portuguese Water Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Highly trainable

Overall rating

This breed is highly intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods. They excel in obedience, agility, and various canine sports.

Trainable Tasks:

Water rescue retrieval

Dock diving skills

Boat-to-shore message carrying

Agility course navigation

Search and retrieve objects

Scent detection training

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

Portuguese Water Dogs have high energy and require substantial daily exercise, including vigorous physical activity and mental stimulation, to remain healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Recommended Activities:

Swimming sessions

Fetch in water

Agility competitions

Long walks or runs

Canine freestyle dancing

Interactive puzzle games

Is this breed right for you?

Portuguese Water Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Portuguese Water Dog would fit well in your home.