The Portuguese Water Dog embodies strength, spirit, and soundness. Capable of working a full day in or out of the water, Porties are powerful and ruggedly built.
Group: Sporting
Lifespan: 11–15 yr
Height: 17–22 in
Weight: 33–66 lb
Care
The Portuguese Water Dog has hair instead of fur. That means—unlike fur coats that grow to a point and then shed—a Portie’s hair keeps growing and occasionally falls out, similar to human hair. But it usually falls back into the coat (instead of all over the house). Because of this minimal shedding, Portuguese Water Dogs can be an excellent breed for people with allergies.
Though Porties don’t shed a lot, their coats still need regular grooming. To keep their hair free from mats and tangles, brush your Portie regularly. And because the breed’s hair grows continuously, they’ll need haircuts every month or so.
Your Portuguese Water Dog’s nails will wear down through regular activity. But you should still inspect them routinely for splits or cracks and trim them as needed. Overgrown nails can be painful and could eventually lead to issues walking or running.
Finally, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for the overall long-term health of all dogs, regardless of breed. In addition to scheduling professional dental cleanings, aim to establish an at-home routine that includes regular teeth brushing.
Disorders
Cataracts, Follicular dysplasias Hip dysplasia, Lysosomal storage diseases Microphthalmia; ocular dysgenesispattern baldness Persistent pupillary membranes ( P P M) Progressive retinal atrophy
colour dilution alopecia Hypoadrenocorticism ( Addison’s disease)
Always visit a professional veterinarian if you believe your dog may have health issues.
