Portuguese Water Dog
Utility

Group: Utility Size: large Lifespan: 10 – 14 years Exercise: high Grooming: very high Trainability: medium Watchdog ability: high Protection ability: medium Area of Origin: Portugal Date of Origin: Middle Ages Other Names: Cao de Agua Original Function: fishing aid History The Portuguese Water Dog is also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog, the Diving Dog and the Sea Dog; in his homeland of Portugal, he is called the Cao de Agua which means "dog of the water". Although the ancestors of the Portuguese water dog are difficult to trace, what is known about this breed from Portugal is that it is a true seaman's companion. The strong, muscular dog is an excellent swimmer and diver and was used extensively on fishing boats to retrieve fish and fishing gear, as well as to carry messages from one boat to another, or to shore. It also served well as guard dog and friend. It is suited to country or city living, but shines most in a family of water sports enthusiasts.   Temperament The lively Portuguese Water Dog enjoys human company and enjoys working for its master. It is affectionate, loyal and intelligent but can also be strong-headed and stubborn. The Portuguese Water Dog used to be used primarily in the Portuguese fishing industry to guard boats, carry messages between boats and retrieve anything that fell overboard. This breed gets along well with children and other dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs respond to tone of voice.   Upkeep This active breed needs daily physical and mental exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Otherwise, it needs a long walk or jog or a vigorous romp. The Portuguese Water Dog can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is generally happier living close to its family and spending days in the yard. Its coat needs combing every other day, plus monthly clipping or scissoring.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Robust, well balanced, rectangular in outline very strongly muscled on shoulders. Hard, penetrating and attentive expression.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Very intelligent and tremendously energetic 'fishermans dog' with great swimming and diving traits.

Temperament:
Pleasant disposition, self-willed but very obedient to owner. Brave and tireless.

Head and Skull:
Large, well proportioned, skull slightly longer than muzzle, well defined occiput. Muzzle tapers slightly. Forehead has central furrow for two-thirds of the length of head, frontal bones prominent. Nose wide, nostrils well open. Black in black, black and white, and white dogs, liver in brown, brown and white, and brown tones.

Eyes:
Medium, round, set well apart. Black or dark brown with dark eyerims.

Ears:
Heart shaped, dropped, thin, set well above eye level, held close to head, except at back. Tips not below neck line.

Mouth:
Scissor bite, jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, ie Upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws, strongly developed canines.

Neck:
Short, straight, strongly muscled. Carried high, no mane or dewlap.

Forequarters:
Straight, strong boned and well muscled. Shoulders muscular and well laid. Pasterns long and upright.

Body:
Chest wide and deep, reaching to elbow. Ribs long, well sprung. Withers wide, not prominent. Back short, good tuck-up, croup only slightly inclined.

Hindquarter:
Straight and very strongly muscled, well angulated, buttocks long and well curved, strong hock, metatarsals long, no dew claws.

Feet:
Round, rather flat, toes not too long or too knuckled up. Membrane reaching to tip of toes, covered with hair. Central pads very thick.

Tail:
Medium set, thick at base and tapering, length not below hock, carried in a ring, clipped, leaving plume at end.

Gait/Movement:
Walking, lively short steps. A light trot and energetic gallop.

Coat:
Profuse, covering whole body except under forelegs and thigh. Two distinct types, both without undercoats. (1) Hair fairly long, loosely waved with slight sheen, hair on head erect, ears well feathered. (2) Hair short, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking lustre, head hair similar to body, hair on ears somewhat wavy.

Colour:
Black, white, various shades of brown, black and white, brown and white. Skin bluish under black, white and black and white dogs. Entire hindquarters clipped from the last rib, tail clipped two-thirds, one-third left long.

Size:
Height: Dogs 50-57 cms (19.5-22.5 ins); Bitches 43-52 cms (17-20.5 ins). Weight: Dogs 19-25 kgs (41 lbs 14 oz-55 lbs 2 oz); Bitches 16-22 kgs (35 lbs 4 oz-48 lbs 8 oz).

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.