Physical Characteristics of thePortuguese Water Dog
(from the American Kennel Club
breed standard)
Head: Distinctively large, well proportioned and with exceptional breadth of topskull.
Stop: Well defined.
Eyes: Medium in size; set well apart.
Ears: Set well above the line of the eye. Leather is heart shaped and thin.
Neck: Straight, short, round and held high.
Muzzle: Substantial; wider at the base than at the nose.
Nose: Broad, well flared nostrils. Fully pigmented.
Jaws: Strong and neither over nor undershot.
Chest: Broad and deep, reaching down to the elbow.
Ribs: Long and well-sprung to provide optimum lung capacity.
Forequarters: Shoulders are well inclined and very strongly muscled. Upper arms are strong. Forelegs are strong and straight. Pasterns are long and strong.
Feet: Are round and rather flat. Webbing between the toes.
Height: At the withers—Males, 20 to 23 inches. Females, 17 to 21 inches.
Weight: For males, 42 to 60 pounds; for females, 35 to 50 pounds.
Topline: Level and firm.
Back: Broad and well muscled.
Loin: Short and meets the croup smoothly.
Croup: Well formed and only slightly inclined.
Abdomen: Well held up in a graceful line.
Tail: Not docked; thick at the base and tapering.
Coat: There are two varieties of coat: Curly—Compact, cylindrical curls, somewhat lusterless. The hair on the ears is sometimes wavy. Wavy—Falling gently in waves, not curls, and with a slight sheen.
Hindquarters: Powerful; well balanced with the front assembly. Legs…straight and very strongly muscled in upper and lower thighs. Buttocks are well developed. Tendons and hocks are strong.
Color: Black, white, and various tones of brown; also combinations of black or brown with white.
Contents
History of the Portuguese Water Dog
Able to be traced back as far as the eighth century in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is still a rare breed in parts of the world. Learn about the Cão de Agua, as it is known in its homeland, and the intelligence, skill and athleticism that made him prized as a working water retriever, and follow the breed’s introduction to the world beyond Portugal.
Characteristics of the Portuguese Water Dog
Bright, quick and clown-like in personality, the Portuguese Water Dog can be a challenging, yet rewarding, dog to own. Learn all about the breed’s unique sense of humor and physical characteristics to determine if you are up to the challenge! Also explore breed-specific health considerations.
Breed Standard for the Portuguese Water Dog
Learn the requirements of a well-bred Portuguese Water Dog by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.
Your Puppy Portuguese Water Dog
Find out about how to locate a well-bred Portuguese Water Dog puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.
Proper Care of Your Portuguese Water Dog
Cover the specifics of taking care of your Portuguese Water Dog every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the essentials of identification and safe travel with your dog.
Training Your Portuguese Water Dog
Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Portuguese Water Dog, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.
Healthcare of Your Portuguese Water Dog
By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD
Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.
Your Senior Portuguese Water Dog
Know when to consider your Portuguese Water Dog a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.
Showing Your Portuguese Water Dog
Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Here’s how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and what’s required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into other areas of the dog sport, including obedience trials, agility, tracking and water trials.