Apartment fit
A Portuguese Water Dog can live in an apartment with serious exercise and grooming routines, but it is easier in homes with outdoor access.
WorkingMedium
Portugal
PortugalPortuguese Water Dog
Weight
35-60 lb
Height
17-23 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Curly or Wavy Medium
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium Portuguese working breed with curly or wavy low-shedding coat, strong swimming ability, and a bright, active temperament.
Portuguese fisherman's working dogCurly or wavy low-shedding coatExcellent swimmer with high training potentialNeeds grooming, exercise, and mental work
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Cao de Agua PortuguesPortiePWD
IntelligentActiveBiddableAffectionateAdventurousWater-Loving
Weight
35-60 lb
Height
17-23 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Curly or Wavy Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
4/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Portuguese Water Dog, or Cao de Agua Portugues, worked along Portugal's coast as a fisherman's helper. It retrieved gear, carried messages between boats and shore, and helped drive fish into nets, so swimming ability, strength, and trainability are core breed traits.
This is not just a generic working dog. The breed has two coat types, curly and wavy, and recognized colors include black, white, brown, and combinations of black or brown with white. The coat sheds little, but it requires regular brushing and clipping.
Portuguese Water Dogs are active, intelligent, and people-oriented. They can suit committed first-time owners, but they are not low-maintenance: exercise, training, water-safe outlets, and grooming all need planning.
Temperament & Personality
IntelligentActiveBiddableAffectionateAdventurousWater-Loving
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a intelligent, active, biddable companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Curly or Wavy
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Low
Colors
Black, White, Brown, Black and White, Brown and White
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs4/5
Trainability5/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active families
- owners who enjoy training and water activities
- people prepared for grooming costs
- homes wanting a low-shedding medium dog
Not ideal for
- owners wanting no coat maintenance
- low-exercise households
- people away all day without enrichment plans
- homes that cannot manage wet-dog and ear-care routines
Common challenges
- matting in curly or wavy coat
- ear moisture after swimming
- restlessness when bored
- jumping or mouthy play in young dogs
Barking & behavior
Barking is usually manageable when exercise and mental work are provided. Bored dogs may become noisy or demanding.
Training style
Use task-based reward training. This breed enjoys learning when work feels purposeful.
Grooming & shedding
Low shedding requires high grooming commitment: brush, clip, and check ears regularly.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Portuguese Water Dogs need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, with swimming, retrieving, hiking, and training games especially useful. Water activity should always be supervised and safe.
Grooming
The low-shedding curly or wavy coat needs regular brushing and clipping. Plan professional grooming or learn proper maintenance, and check ears after swimming.
Training
Use positive, structured training. The breed is bright and task-oriented, so retrieving, water work, obedience games, and calm settling practice are all valuable.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions for an active medium dog. Keep the body lean under the coat, and adjust calories for swimming, sports, or quieter periods.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEye diseaseAddison's diseaseJuvenile dilated cardiomyopathyEar infections after water work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Portuguese Water Dog hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic, but Portuguese Water Dogs are low-shedding and may suit some allergy-sensitive homes better than heavy shedders.
Does the Portuguese Water Dog need professional grooming?
Most owners use professional grooming. The coat needs regular brushing and clipping to prevent mats.
Does the Portuguese Water Dog like swimming?
Many do. The breed was developed for work around boats and water, but swimming should still be introduced safely and supervised.
How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?
Most need 60 to 90 minutes daily, plus training or water/retrieving games.
What colors can Portuguese Water Dogs be?
Recognized colors include black, white, brown, black and white, and brown and white.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog good for first-time owners?
It can be, if the owner is prepared for grooming, exercise, and training. It is intelligent and active, not a low-effort starter dog.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a Portuguese Water Dog?
The biggest challenge is meeting its combined needs for coat care, exercise, training, and mental work.
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