Portuguese Water Dog Description

The Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent and active breed originally bred in Portugal to assist fishermen with their work in the water. Known for their impressive swimming abilities and versatility, these dogs make excellent working partners, service dogs, and family companions. They have a strong, muscular build with a lively, athletic appearance that highlights their working roots. Their friendly, confident demeanor makes them great companions, and they thrive in households with active families. The Portuguese Water Dog has a distinct, curly or wavy coat that is thick, dense, and water-resistant. These dogs are known for being great swimmers and love activities like diving, fetching, and swimming games. With proper training and attention, they can adapt to a variety of roles, from search and rescue to therapy work. Though they are low-shedding and hypoallergenic to some degree, they do require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s condition and health.

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Table with Requested Attributes

Attributes	Portuguese Water Dog Description
Detailed Appearance (Looks)	Compact, muscular body with a well-proportioned, athletic frame and curly or wavy dense coat.
Size and Weight	17–23 inches at the shoulder; weighs 35–60 pounds, depending on gender and build.
Hypoallergenic	Yes, considered hypoallergenic due to their non-shedding, dense, curly or wavy coat.
Coat Type	Dense, curly or wavy, water-resistant coat that is easy to maintain but requires regular grooming.
Trainability	Highly trainable, intelligent, eager to please, and performs well with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high; they thrive on physical activity and enjoy swimming and daily outdoor adventures.