What is the Portuguese Water Dog really like

What is the Portuguese Water Dog Really Like - FAQ

Jane M Johnson

Introduction and objective

I often get asked the question, "what is the Portuguese Water Dog really like?". So, in answer to this, I have put together this site to help answer your questions.

A word of caution: this is just how I have experienced the PWD. Other people may have different experiences depending on the lines of their dogs and how they raised the puppies.

Is this breed intelligent?

Yes, generally, the breed is very intelligent.

Is the breed active?

Yes, generally the breed is very active. Indeed, if your PWD is not active, I would suggest that in may well need a health check up (make sure thyroid is checked).

How would you describe their personality?

The PWD will be your best friend, your loyal companion, your soul mate. She will be your guardian. She will love your socks off.

However, this will not happen unless you treat her as such.

How much do they cost?

Prices will normally start at about $1000 US. However, be warned - do your research well. $1000 can buy you a great dog. $1000 can also buy you a not so great dog. Don't expect to pay less for a "pet" than you would a "show" puppy. Both cost the same to raise, and both should have fabulous temperaments.

In any case, most breeders will not let you breed from your pup, unless you follow strict terms and conditions. This is to protect the integrity of the breed. After all, we don't want the PWD dropping in quality like so many of the other breeds around the world, because of indiscriminate and uneducated breeding.

(Yes, if you get a puppy from me, it will come with strict conditions. But if you love this breed the way that I do, you will fully understand why this is so. If not, I am more than happy to work through any issues with you. )

But I want to breed my PWD. How can I do this?

I am more than happy to help you with this issue. However, be warned, if you really want to breed it takes lots of time and energy to learn all that is involved. It also takes loads of money.

There are lots of pages on the internet about breeding dogs. To start with, click here.

If you want to get a puppy from me, and become a breeder of PWD's, then it is essential that you join the dogmentor email list: click here.

If you do not have the time to join this email list, then you will not have the time to breed a litter. My advice to you, is to enjoy the puppy that you have got, and treasure him/her during its life. Breeding a litter makes neither you nor your dog a better person/dog.

Do they have health issues?

All breeds of dogs, and cross breeds have health issues. The PWD is absolutely no different. The PWD does not have as many health issues as many of the more popular breeds, but we must still be particular vigilant. Be careful of: hip dysplasia, Addisons, Storage, and PRA.

Many dog breeders believe that most health issues can be minimised through a proper diet.

What do you feed your dogs?

To do the right thing by my dogs, I only feed a raw natural diet. In this diet, the dogs get 60-70% RAW meaty bones. They do not get cooked foods, and the definitely NEVER get any commercially produced dog foods. To find out more, click here.

Regardless of the breed, I would only ever feed them a raw natural diet (regardless of the size of the dog).

Are they good with children?

I prefer to ask, "are your children good with dogs?"

PWD's are like ALL other breeds - they should be introduced to children as puppies, and this contact should continue throughout their life.

All of my dogs are great with children. But, this is because I have raised my children to respect, care, and love the dogs. In turn, my dogs know that what is expected of their behaviour around children, although at times, they don't realise their own clumsiness!

Indeed, I know if one of my dogs ever growls at a child, it is because the child has extremely provoked them and is issuing a warning. This warning serves as a reminder to me, to do something to fix the child's behaviour.

My dogs know that they are lower in the pack than the children, but at the same time, my dogs also know that it is unfair for children to hurt them.

I recommend that dogs around children should always be supervised and vice versa.

Will I have problems with them chewing?

Most probably yes - particularly with puppies. However, there's nothing like a puppy to teach humans to put their belongings away. If a puppy chews a shoe, than it is the fault of the owner of that shoe for not putting it in the cupboard. My dogs do not "get into trouble" for indiscriminate chewing - but the human that left out that particular "treat" for them does.

I find that as they get older, there are less issues with chewing.

Do puppies bite?

Like puppies of any breed, PWD puppies will use their teeth, like the rest of their bodies, to explore the world and all it offers. PWD puppies (like all other puppies!) must never ever be encouraged or played with to bite. Children need to be taught not to encourage the puppy to bite, and what to do if the puppy does bite. Puppies are really like babies - they need to learn in a positive environment with patience, and good humour. Puppies, like children, do need to learn manners.

What training method do you use?

I use positive training methods. The main training method I use is called "clicker training". You can start training your puppy with this method when it is very young. I introduce the clicker to puppies at 5 weeks of age. At most, I will only train a dog for 5 minutes at a time - perhaps three times a day.

I've found this the absolute best way to get maximum results in the most positive and rewarding way.

How much grooming is involved?

If I keep the coat relatively short, then there is hardly any grooming involved at all.

However, I keep my dogs in a long coat for showing, so I need to groom a couple of times a week for about 10 mins each dog. I find the length of time spent grooming is dependent on - what the dogs are eating, what sort of brush is being used, and how many burrs they are getting,

How often do I need to bath my PWD?

Bathing your dog is dependent on two things (mainly) - what you feed it, and what shows you're about to go to. If you feed your dog an all natural raw diet, as nature intended, then your dog should never have that "doggy smell". However if you feed your PWD a commercial or incorrect diet - then you will definitely get the "doggy smell".

If my dogs are not being shown, they can easily go 6-8 months without a bath. (although they do tend to do a bit of swimming.)

Where can I get information about breeders of PWD's?

In Australia, click here
In the US/Canada - Sandy Overton
In Europe - click here
For all other places, click here, and we will attempt to find you someone to talk to closer to your base.

If you have any other questions that you would like me to answer on this page, please, feel free to email me.

If you're interesting in hearing more about our dogs, or getting a puppy from us, we recommend you join our email list where we have created a great little community of like minded people who share stories and key learnings about PWD's.

This Portuguese Water Dog site is owned by Jane Johnson. Want to join the Portuguese Water Dog Web Ring? (it's free!!)
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