Portuguese Water Dogs were developed on the Atlantic coast of Portugal to work alongside fishermen — retrieving gear, carrying messages between boats, and herding fish into nets. They are medium-sized (16–25 kg), athletic, non-shedding, and fundamentally working dogs that have found a second career as family companions. This second career requires their considerable energy be properly addressed.
They Need More Than Walks
Portuguese Water Dogs need 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, and they are at their best when water is involved. Swimming is a breed-appropriate, low-impact exercise that these dogs take to with enormous enthusiasm. Without adequate exercise, PWDs become restless, anxious, and creative in ways that involve your furniture. Add to physical exercise regular mental stimulation — training sessions, puzzle feeders, nose work — and you have a very manageable dog.
The Coat: Low-Shedding, High-Maintenance
PWDs have a single-layer coat (wavy or curly) that doesn't shed significantly but grows continuously and mats without regular attention. Brush through the coat 2-3 times weekly. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for clipping (either the traditional lion clip or a retriever clip). Between appointments, particular attention to areas behind ears and around collar where matting starts.
Common Health Conditions
- Hip dysplasia: OFA/BVA scores from both parents. Active breed — joint health is foundational.
- GM1 Storage Disease: A fatal neurological disorder — juvenile muscle weakness and neurological deterioration. Genetic testing is available and must be done for all breeding dogs. Only buy from tested-clear parents.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Genetic testing available. Buy from tested parents.
- Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (JDCM): A fatal heart condition in young PWDs. Genetic testing exists; breeding for cleared status is ongoing in responsible lines.
- Addison's Disease: Above-average incidence in the breed. Subtle signs — periodic vomiting, lethargy, shaking. Can present as a crisis during stress.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Summary
- 60-90 minutes vigorous exercise daily — swimming ideal.
- Brush 2-3× weekly; professional groom every 6-8 weeks.
- Buy from parents tested for GM1, PRA, and JDCM — these are non-negotiable.
- OFA/BVA hip scores from both parents.
- Know Addison's signs: periodic vomiting, collapse during stress.
Track your Portuguese Water Dog's health calendar, vaccine reminders, and exercise log on the Woofio Portuguese Water Dog care page.