Portuguese water dog: description of the breed

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In the Middle Ages, an interesting dog appeared in Portugal. Accurate information about the origin of this breed has not been preserved, but there is an opinion that it was in the fifth - seventh centuries. Much later, the Portuguese Water Dog became known in Europe. Some experts associate its appearance on the continent with the Visigoths, others with the African Moors.

In the beginning, the Portuguese Water Dog was used by fishermen to help set up and haul nets. Also by swimming, these animals delivered important messages from one ship to another. Sometimes they even hunted rabbits.

Today these wonderful companion dogs often "serve" as guards. Hunters still appreciate their ability to retrieve game from the water.

Portuguese Water Dog (photo attached) is an unusually strong animal. This breed is distinguished by selfless devotion to its owner. It has a large domed head, a wide chest with convex ribs,docked (artificially) tail with a tassel at the end. The growth of the animal is from forty-three to fifty-seven centimeters, weight - from sixteen to twenty-five kilograms. The most common color is black, although there are individuals of black and white, brown and white, brown and white colors. Usually the hair on the hind legs and rump is cut off, and on the chest and front legs it is left as is. It is very thick, wavy and long.

The photos of the Portuguese Water Dog presented in this article perfectly demonstrate its appearance. These animals need increased physical activity, so the owners of these dogs do not have to be bored. They are very fond of active games that require physical strength. They are recommended to be taken on hunting trips and difficult long hikes.

The Portuguese Water Dog is easy to train. Due to their natural intelligence, endurance and strength, these animals are indispensable when fishing or hunting.

The Portuguese Water Dog is highly intelligent, loyal to its owner, and extremely alert, making it a good watchdog. She needs constant communication with people, so she cannot live in an aviary. This dog diligently protects the territory of the owners and all members of “its” family, and the animal gets along well with children, but it has problems with dogs. Representatives of this breed should not be started by people who have other pets.

Portuguese Water Dogs don't shed much, so they can even live in an allergy sufferer's home. They are very active both indoors and outdoors. They need a fairly spacious and fenced yard.

The way your pet grows up is largely up to you. Deprived of the attention of the owner, the puppy can grow up to be a stubborn and passive dog. And remember: the more aggressive you behave with an animal, the more aggressive it will be in the future, although this quality is unusual for this breed.

Today, representatives of this wonderful breed are not seen too often, but gradually the situation is changing. New nurseries are opening around the world, including in Russia.