Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog is a medium sized, curly coated breed standing 50-56 cm (20-25 in) high and weighing 19-25 kg. It has a wig-like topknot and a long, curled tall and resembles a cross between a standard poodle and an Irish water spaniel, both of which probably contributed to the breed. The dog has two coat varieties, long and wavy or short and curly, and is either black or brown, usually with white front feet. The Portuguese water dog was developed along the coast of portugal. It was used by fishermen to retrieve lost nets and tackle and to guard the boats in harbor. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983.


Portuguese Water Dogs have a multi-octave voice. They tend to be quiet dogs although they will warn when the home is approached, and they will communicate their desires vocally and behaviorally to their owner. Their bark is loud and distinctive. They may engage in "expressive panting", by making a distinct "ha-ha-ha-ha" sound as an invitation to play or to indicate a desire for nearby food. They sometimes whine. If you compare with Poodle Dog this dog is little big.

The PWD's biddability, high intelligence, and tendency to vocalize and then seek out its human master when specific alarms occur make it an ideal hearing-ear or deaf-assistance dog. PWDs can be readily trained to bark loudly when a telephone rings, and then to find and alert a hard-of-hearing or deaf master.