At a glance the quick version
FCI ideal heights: 54 cm for males, 46 cm for females. Hill's lists about 42-60 lb for males and 35-50 lb for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
single coat, curly or wavy
A dense single coat with no undercoat, in two types: tight, compact curls or softer, looser waves with a slight shine. It sheds very little.123
Personality what they are like
A clever, spirited and tireless dog with a bold, adventurous streak. It is loving and eager to learn, bonds closely with its people and wants to be part of everything the family does.1234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A true working water dog that needs more than 40 minutes of exercise a day; swimming, retrieving and training games suit it well.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High-maintenance coat: regular brushing and combing to stop mats, plus baths and clipping every few weeks. Owners usually choose either the lion clip or the even retriever clip.321
Home where they are happiest
Does best living indoors with its family rather than in a kennel, with access to exercise and ideally water.3
Company who they like around
Needs plenty of human company; usually gets on with other dogs and cats it is raised with, and can be reserved with strangers.3
The story where it all began
For centuries these dogs worked with Portuguese fishermen, herding fish into nets, fetching lost gear and swimming messages between boats. As fishing modernised the breed dwindled, until shipping magnate Vasco Bensaude revived it in the 1930s. American fanciers founded the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America in 1972.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Fishermen used these dogs to carry messages between boats and from boat to shore.2
- 2
The traditional lion clip leaves a plume of full-length hair at the tip of the tail.1
- 3
US President Barack Obama's family had two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny.2
- 4
A stud dog named Leão (1931-1942) from Vasco Bensaude's Algarbiorum kennel was hugely influential in saving the breed.2
- 5
The breed standard notes it will dive under water to retrieve fish that escape the nets.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 37, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 3 Water dogs; standard dated 04.11.2008.1
- AKC
- Recognised in 1984 (per Hill's).3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Water Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Portuguese Water Dog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Portuguese Water Dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to suit your routine, but a consistent schedule helps digestion. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Portuguese Water Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always ask your vet for a complete list.6
How often should I bathe a Portuguese Water Dog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months, or more often if your dog gets dirty. Its coat needs regular bathing and clipping every few weeks to stay healthy.7321 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Portuguese Water Dog need brushing?
Brush your Portuguese Water Dog every two days to prevent mats, as its single coat is high-maintenance. Regular combing is also needed to keep the curls or waves tangle-free.321 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Portuguese Water Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or groomer to show you how if unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
This active breed needs more than 40 minutes of exercise daily, including swimming, retrieving, and training games. It thrives on activities that engage its working-dog spirit.31
How do I look after a Portuguese Water Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth every two days (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture since floppy ears trap it. Never push anything into the ear canal; just dry the outer ear gently.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Portuguese Water Dog live?
A Portuguese Water Dog typically lives between 10 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life.3
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, this loving breed bonds closely with its family and usually gets along with children, other dogs, and cats it is raised with. It can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation is key.3124
Can a Portuguese Water Dog be left alone?
This breed needs plenty of human company and does best living indoors with its family. It can be left alone for short periods, but may become anxious or bored if left for long. Ask your vet or a good breeder for tailored advice.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 37, Cão de Água Português fci.beused for group, size, coat, colours, clip, temperament
- Wikipedia: Portuguese Water Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, other names, fun facts
- Hill's Pet: Portuguese Water Dog hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, AKC year, social needs
- AKC: Portuguese Water Dog akc.orgused for temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.