The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as the Fisherman’s Canine, is an affectionate breed that is athletic and adventurous. These dogs are light shedders and medium-sized, making them desirable canine companions. They are eager to please, intelligent, and easy to train, all of which make them sought-after dogs to own. Given that they are light shedders, you may wonder if the Portuguese Water Dog, or Portie, is hypoallergenic. In short, yes, people consider the Portuguese Water Dog to be “hypoallergenic.” This is not, however, backed up by scientific evidence.
Although a truly hypoallergenic breed doesn’t exist, dogs considered as such are generally more suitable options for allergy sufferers. Let’s learn more about this breed and their “hypoallergenic” coats.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Dog lovers with allergies are often faced with the dilemma of owning a dog or not, but if you’re an allergy sufferer and are still dead-set on having a pup, this breed could be a good option. Low-shedding dogs, such as the Portuguese Water Dog, tend to be easier on the allergies due to less pet dander in the home.1 Canine allergies are triggered by proteins in dander, urine, and saliva. So far, seven proteins have been identified, Can f-1 to Can f-7.2
A Portuguese Water Dog has either tight, curly hair or loose, wavy hair. Their dense coat requires weekly grooming, but the occasional bath will suffice as far as keeping the Portie clean. They typically get one of two types of haircuts: the retriever clip, where the entire coat is clipped to 1 inch in length and the tail tip left at full length, or the lion clip, where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped down to the skin.
How Can I Keep Allergy Symptoms to a Minimum?
As mentioned, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but breeds that shed less are often more tolerable for allergy sufferers. However, you can take extra measures to keep your allergy symptoms down even further.
Limit Access Within the Home
You can create an “allergy-free” zone in your home. In other words, this area of the house will be off limits to your Portie, such as your bedroom or another part of the home you frequent. If you must have your Portie sleep with you at night, use impermeable covers for your pillows and mattress. You should also use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your bedroom should you choose to allow your dog access.
Use HEPA Cleaners
These devices can really help keep allergy triggers to a minimum, as they remove 99.7% of pet dander and other pollutants from the air. If you’re a dog owner or are considering becoming one, we highly recommend investing in a couple of these machines, whether you have allergies or not.
BatheYour Portie Weekly
Porties do not require a weekly bath, but it can help with your allergies. You can always take your dog to a groomer if needed, but this can get pricey. If you bathe your Portie at home, ask your veterinarian what shampoo is best to use.
Consider Immunotherapy
If you suffer from dog allergies, it is strongly recommended that you discuss your treatment options with an allergy specialist before getting a pet. Immunotherapy typically comes in the form of weekly allergy shots and can be a good long-term option. Antihistamine or steroidal nose sprays and pills are also commonly discussed. Consult with an allergist to determine the best course of treatment if you have canine allergies.
How to Keep a Portuguese Water Dog Healthy and Safe
Have you decided to add a Portie to your family? If so, here are a few tips on keeping this dog healthy, happy, and safe.
For starters, these pups are happiest when they have a job to do. Porties are hardworking canines that have been used to herd fish into nets, retrieve lines and tackle, and guide boats when needed (remember, they are also known as the “Fisherman’s Canine”).
Porties are not for everyone, though; they are high-energy and demand your attention. They need regular grooming, vigorous exercise, and obedience training to excel. Ensure that you have adequate space for your dog to run and play and the time to devote to them for exercise.
This breed needs an experienced, firm, and consistent leader due to their strong-willed nature and will not do well with a timid and inconsistent trainer. Early socialization and obedience training are highly recommended with this breed, but with proper training, these dogs will become fun, loving, and loyal family companions.
A Portie’s coat is water-repellant, so when bathing them, ensure that you wet them down thoroughly and rinse off all the shampoo to avoid dry skin. Keep plenty of chew toys around, as these dogs love to carry things in their mouths and chew. Chewing behavior may lead to nipping, though, so keeping plenty of sturdy toys everywhere is essential to avoid undesirable behaviors. These dogs tend to be mouthy and need constant reminders for acceptable behavior.
Ensure that you feed them a complete and balanced diet with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavoring or preservatives. Exercise your Portie for at least 1 hour daily in the form of long walks, playing fetch, hiking, swimming, or any other sport your dog enjoys.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Portuguese Water Dog is a fun and rewarding experience. These affectionate and energetic pups are high-energy and love to run and swim. They excel in agility courses, obedience training, rallies, tracking, water work, herding, flyball, and hunting, to name a few activities.
If you’re an allergy sufferer and want to own one of these dogs, practicing any or all the measures mentioned here can keep symptoms to a minimum. Consult with your allergist and meet the individual dog you are interested in to see if they trigger your allergies. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Porties do shed less than many other breeds.
Featured Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock
