Buyer question
Is a Portuguese Water Dog good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Portuguese Water Dog 3 out of 5 for beginners (good with an active owner).
Source: the Portuguese Water Dog page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Portuguese Water Dog in the Animal Library
The detail
Bred to work beside fishermen off Portugal, herding fish into nets, carrying messages and retrieving gear from the water, the PWD is athletic, bright and loyal. It has a low-shedding curly or wavy coat and a strong need for daily exercise and company.
- Temperament
- Lively, smart, devoted
- Best fit
- Active families, swimmers
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Bright, can be willful)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (1 hr exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 4 out of 5 (Clip every 6 to 8 weeks)
What to weigh
PWDs are mouthy and busy as puppies and need daily exercise and training. The coat needs regular clipping, and they dislike being left alone for long.