Portuguese Water Dog
If you're a boater, fisherman, or simply love the water, this may be the breed for you.
Height: 17 to 23 inches at shoulder
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Coat: curly or wavy
Life span: 10 to 14 years with some reaching 16 years of age
Breed Group: Working Dogs
The Portuguese Water Dog once served as crew on fishing trips, retrieving lost gear and herding fish into nets. Today, he's a fun-loving family companion who still retains the intelligence and love of the water (not to mention the webbed feet) that made him so valuable to his human family.
Portuguese Water Dog profile on DogTime.com
General Characteristics
Amount of shedding
  
  
  
  
  
Apartment appropriate
  
  
  
  
  
Cold tolerance
  
  
  
  
  
Dog friendly
  
  
  
  
  
Ease at being home alone
  
  
  
  
  
Need for exercise
  
  
  
  
  
Tendency to bark or howl
  
  
  
  
  
Vigor
  
  
  
  
  
Wanderlust
  
  
  
  
  
Sensitivity
  
  
  
  
  
Watchdog ability
  
  
  
  
  
Compatible with kids
  
  
  
  
  
Easy to groom
  
  
  
  
  
Good for novice owners