Overview
The Portuguese Water Dog worked on fishing boats along the Algarve coast, herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle and carrying messages between boats. It is a sturdy, muscular dog with a dense wavy or curly coat and a thick tail it uses as a rudder. In the UK it sits in the working group.
Porties are clever, affectionate and full of themselves. They are more independent and more inclined to test boundaries than a Labrador, and they like to use their mouths: carrying, tugging and, in some dogs, grabbing hands or sleeves in play.
Exercise and walking needs
Around ninety minutes a day for an adult, with swimming or retrieving if at all possible. They have enormous stamina in water and enjoy a brisk hike on land. A dull walk makes a bored Portie, and a bored Portie chews.
They are good at agility, obedience and water trials. Any training on a walk is welcome.
On the walk
- Recall: Good with training, except around water, where the dog is already in. Decide in advance which ponds and rivers are allowed.
- Pulling: Strong for its size, especially towards water or another dog. A harness with a front clip is the usual answer.
- Other dogs: Sociable and playful, sometimes too boisterous for a quiet dog. Good in active groups.
- Water: The breed's reason for being. Check for currents, algae and exit points, and towel off properly. Dry the ears.
- Mouthing: Some Porties grab leads, sleeves and hands in excitement. Carry a toy to redirect.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a floating toy; a few water retrieves do more than an extra mile on land.
- Towel thoroughly and check between the toes; the coat traps grit and the webbed feet hold water.
- Avoid brambles and seed heads; they mat the coat badly.
- Use training games to keep the dog's clever brain on you.
What to ask the owner
- Where is the dog allowed to swim, and are there places it must stay out of?
- Does it mouth or grab in excitement, and how does the owner handle that?
- When is the next groom, and should the coat stay dry until then?