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Portuguese Water Dog Dogs

Portuguese Water Dog Dynamics Based on 291 Dogster profiles   Energy   sleepy energetic     Intelligence   silly genius     Friendliness   aggressive affectionate     Playfulness   not playful very playful     Disposition   anxious calm

Possible Health Concerns: GM1 storage disease Distichiasis Addison's Disease Hip dysplasia   Less Common Health Concerns: Hair loss Irritable bowel syndrome Seizures Trupanion can give you peace of mind when protecting your pet against these and other health issues. Learn more...

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Trademark Traits

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Some Ideal Human Companions

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What They’re Like to Live With

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Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic workers and calm playmates. For hundreds of years, Portuguese fishermen watched these dogs work exhausting days, only to come home and play affectionately with children. Around the home, you’ll find them goofy, loving and calm. They show an intense loyalty to family members, making superb watchdogs.

Things You Should Know

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Portuguese Water Dogs can live as long as 14 years. Generally healthy, some can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. In spite of their thick, wavy coats, Portuguese Water Dogs are fairly easy to groom, needing only regular brushing and clipping. They shed very little.

Portuguese Water Dog History

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Portuguese Water Dogs originated along the coast of Portugal. Used by fishermen to haul nets, carry tackle and transport messages between ships, Portuguese Water Dogs were robust and dependable enough to be considered part of a ship’s crew. While no one knows for certain where they came from, some say they descend from ancient Asian herding dogs that were brought to Portugal by traders hundreds of years ago.

The Look of the Portuguese Water Dog

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Portuguese Water Dogs are sturdy, strong medium-sized dogs covered in thick coats that can be either curly or wavy. They come in brown, black, white or various combinations of the three. They have large heads with rounded skulls, dark eyes, boxy muzzles and thin ears that hang somewhat close to the head. Their muscular necks lead down to long backs and thick, tapered tails that are carried in a high curl. Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog looks gallant yet robust.

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