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Portuguese Water Dog
Working breed from Portugal
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized working breed from Portugal, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. It has a robust build, webbed feet, and a single coat of curly or wavy waterproof hair. Originally bred as an all-around fisherman's helper, it is energetic and eager to please. Temperaments vary individually, but the breed is generally described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, athletic, and eager to please. Estimated adult weight ranges from 19 to 27 kg for both sexes, and estimated height ranges from 51 to 58 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 13 years. The breed's recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Portuguese Water Dog at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupWorking
OriginPortugal
Lifespan11–13 years
Male weight19–27 kilogram
Female weight19–27 kilogram
Male height51–58 centimetre
Female height51–58 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed from the Portuguese coast, developed as a fisherman's helper. Its historical roles included herding fish into nets, retrieving tackle, and carrying messages between ships and shore. The breed nearly became extinct in the 20th century but was saved through dedicated breeding efforts. The exact timeline of these events is not specified in available sources. According to one source, the breed's history describes it as an ancient breed from the Portuguese coast, developed as a fisherman's helper for herding fish into nets, retrieving tackle, and carrying messages between ships and shore. It was nearly extinct in the 20th century but saved through dedicated breeding efforts. No specific dates, health claims, or recognition details are provided in the supplied facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
19–27 kilogramAdult weight51–58 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMediumCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticathleticeager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Portuguese Water Dog-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Portuguese Water Dog puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight19–27 kilogramAdult female weight19–27 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog?
Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 19 to 27 kg, and estimated height is 51 to 58 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 13 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Portuguese Water Dog?
The breed is generally described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, athletic, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
The breed has an energy score of 5 out of 5, indicating high energy needs. Regular daily exercise is important, but specific requirements depend on the individual dog.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. The coat is medium-length and waterproof, requiring regular brushing and occasional trimming. Shedding score is 2 out of 5, indicating low shedding.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog good for families with children?
Child suitability score is 4 out of 5, suggesting the breed is generally good with children. However, individual temperaments vary, and supervision is always recommended.
Can a Portuguese Water Dog live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability score is 3 out of 5, indicating it may be possible but not ideal. The breed is energetic and needs space to exercise, so a home with a yard is preferable.
Where does the Portuguese Water Dog originate?
The breed originates from Portugal, specifically the Portuguese coast, where it was developed as a fisherman's helper.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.