A curly-coated seafarer bred to work the water.
Origin
Portugal
Height
17–23 in (43–58 cm)
Weight
35–60 lb (16–27 kg)
Lifespan
11–13 years
Coat
Curly or wavy, single coat — low-shedding
Energy
High
Overview
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, curly-coated working breed developed to help fishermen — herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and carrying messages between boats. Athletic and water-loving, it is a tireless, versatile worker.
Intelligent, affectionate, and spirited, the “PWD” bonds closely with its family and thrives on activity and involvement. It is eager to please and highly trainable, needing plenty of exercise and mental work to stay balanced.
History
For centuries the Portuguese Water Dog worked alongside fishermen along Portugal's coast, its swimming ability and trainability making it invaluable at sea. Nearly extinct by the 20th century, it was revived and gained fame as a presidential pet.
Where it comes from
Portugal
Highlighted in the Portuguese Water Dog's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The PWD is bright, devoted, and lively, generally good with family and other pets. It is eager to please and needs daily physical and mental work, responding well to positive training and thriving on close companionship.
Health to watch
Joint malformation occurs in the breed; screening and lean weight help protect the hips over time.
This hereditary eye disease can cause vision loss; genetic screening of breeding dogs helps prevent it.
Inherited storage disease and juvenile cardiomyopathy occur; DNA testing screens breeding dogs.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The curly, non-shedding coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent mats.
This energetic working breed needs vigorous daily activity, ideally including swimming.
The clever PWD thrives on training and jobs; boredom leads to chewing and mischief.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.