Other Name: Cão de Agua

Country of Origin: The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal.

Height: males 20-22 inches (50-57 cm.) females 17-20 inches (43-52 cm.)

Weight: males 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg.) females 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg.)

Description: The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium sized dog with heart-shaped ears that hang beside its head. Its legs are straight strong and parallel and the toes are webbed which aids in swimming. The Portuguese Water Dog is in the Working group.

Colors: The Portuguese Water Dog comes in black, white or brown, multi-

Coat: The Portuguese Water dog is a non-shedding breed. It has curly or wavy hair that should be brushed or combed regularly.

Temperament: The Portuguese Water dog is a highly intelligent breed and used to be used primarily in the Portuguese fishing industry to guard boats, carry messages between boats and retrieve anything that fell overboard. This breed gets along well with children and other dogs and is highly intelligent, affectionate and loyal. Portuguese water dogs respond to tone of voice.

Health Concerns: Susceptible to hip dysplasia and PRA. Breeding stock should be tested for GM-1 Storage Disease, a fatal nerve disease that

appears when a puppy is six months old.

Life Expectancy: The life expectancy if The Portuguese Water Dog is about 10-14 years.

Living Environment: The Portuguese Water Dog can do well in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. In temperate climates Portuguese water Dogs can live outside, they prefer however to be close to their families. This breed loves to retrieve sticks or balls and makes and excellent jogging companion.