See adoptable Portuguese Water Dogs near you
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed known for its love of water and strong swimming abilities. They are intelligent, energetic, and friendly dogs that make excellent family pets. They are known for their curly or wavy hypoallergenic coat and their playful, adventurous nature. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable and sociable, making them great companions for active families. However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.
The Portuguese Water Dog was originally bred to help fishermen by retrieving lost gear, delivering messages between boats, and even herding fish into nets.
When adopting a Portuguese Water Dog, be prepared for a high-energy pet that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They do best in homes with a yard or with families that can provide them with plenty of outdoor activities. Regular grooming is also necessary to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
The average life expectancy of a Portuguese Water Dog is 12-15 years.
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized dogs. Males typically weigh between 42-60 pounds and stand 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, weighing between 35-50 pounds and standing 17-21 inches tall.
They are known for their friendly and adventurous nature. They are very affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other pets.
This breed is very active and requires regular exercise. They love swimming and retrieving, and they also do well in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming. They need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling, and they need regular trims to keep their coat manageable.
The average life expectancy of a Portuguese Water Dog is 12-15 years.
They are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and storage disease.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very intelligent and quick learners. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and their ability to understand and follow complex commands.
Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
They are very sociable dogs that get along well with people and other animals. They are not typically aggressive or overly shy.
Connect ShelterLuv, PetPoint, Chameleon, RescueGroups or Adopt-a-Pet to WeRescue once and your pet listings stay current, with no extra work.
Clear The Shelters 2026 helped 135,000+ pets find homes. See the national results, local wins, and how WeRescue powered the …
Worried your cat won't accept a new rescue dog? With the right introduction strategy, many dogs and cats learn to …
Every pet is an individual. For specifics on temperament and history, contact the rescue organization caring for the dog you're interested in.
No commitment. Cancel anytime.
Get ALL premium features listed above
Subscriptions will automatically renew unless canceled within 24-hours before the end of the current period. You can cancel anytime with your account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited if you purchase a subscription.
