In Russia, a Portuguese water dog is considered quite rare. In addition, short-haired “Portuguese” are often mistaken for more common poodles. But the owners of Portuguese water dogs We are sure that it is impossible to find the second such pet! Thanks patience, high intelligence and understanding from them are obtained great companions and the original dog hair suitable for haircuts, and other qualities make them regulars of various exhibition events.
Content
- 1. The origin of the breed
- 2. Description of the breed
- 2.1. Coat and colors
- 3. Character of the Portuguese water dog
- 4. Training
- 5. Care and maintenance
- 6. Feeding
- 7. Health and heredity
- 8. Photo of a Portuguese water dog
- 9. Video
- 10. Puppy purchase and breed cost
Origin of breed
Already by the name of the breed, you can understand that its representatives come from Portugal. Local hunters and fishermen back in 16th century used compact dogs and water-repellent wool as helpers for fishing. Dogs were trusted with a fish pen in the net, they also chased game and carried out the work of the messengers between the courts and the land. 
On the Iberian Peninsula, these dogs were thanks sailors from Persia. In those days, they lived here mainly livestock farmers and dogs became excellent guards, shepherds, assistants in various economic affairs.
To this day, the breed has survived not without the help of the ship the tycoon, Dr. Vasco Bensuade, who imbued her representatives and decided to create a club of rare breeds. This allowed not only increase the number of dogs and fans of the breed, Portuguese water dog received the right to participate in European exhibitions.
Breed Description
The physique of representatives of this breed depends largely on how active they are and what they eat. Perfect a water dog from Portugal should move a lot, swim, this allow her to have developed muscles, a strong skeleton and not a gram excess fat.
These dogs have a square format, they have a strong back, a muscular body hidden by a lush coat. Male growth varies from 50 to 57 cm, weight – from 19 to 25 kg, females are more compact, their height is 43-52 cm, weighs from 16 to 22 kg.
According to the standard, thoroughbred representatives look in the following way:
- The head is wide enough, proportional to body size, has a clear outline, well-defined occipital tubercle, powerful cheekbones and well-developed superciliary arches. Good pronounced transition from the frontal to the nasal part, there is a dividing groove.
- Markedly narrowing of the muzzle from the base to the nose. Lips do not sag tightly pressed to the teeth, pigmented in the same color as nose lobe. The teeth are large, the fangs are especially large, but they are hidden by lips and do not protrude. Create the right bite by type of “scissors”.
- The nose is large, mobile, the nostrils are wide, differ in high sensitivity. The color of the nose depends on from the color of the coat, most often the black lobe, less often – brown.
- The eyes are large, round, expressive, with pigmented dry eyelids that completely covers conjunctiva. The shade of the iris ranges from almost black to brown, without bright areas.
- The auricles are wide at the base, large, located above the line of the eyes. In shape they resemble a leaf wood, their tips have a smooth rounding.
- Portuguese Water Dog Torso Format square, that is – the length of the body is almost equal to their growth. At bitches allowed moderate body elongation.
- The neck is long, there are no folds, suspension, it is characterized strong muscles. The chest is moderately wide, spacious. The ribs are spring, well curved, which provides a large volume lungs.
- Flat and short back with mild withers, lower back so short that it almost merges with the croup, they have slight bulge.
- The inguinal line is selected, there is a blast that is invisible under woolly coat.
- Front limbs when viewed from the front. – stand straight, when viewed from the side – have a slight slope, equipped developed muscles. The shoulder is well developed, the forearms are voluminous, the wrists are long, flexible, the wrists are located under tilt.
- The hips are covered with relief muscles, they are wide, elongated, with large knees and hocks. The brushes are oval shape and thumbs.
- The tail is of medium length, located on medium height, thick, graceful. When the dog is calm, the tail is in a free or slightly elevated state. During excitation rises above the back line and twists in half ring.
Coat and colors
The whole body of the “Portuguese” is covered with thick, dense, thick the coat in the forelimbs, chest and the inguinal line of the remaining hair is slightly thinner. Dogs don’t have undercoat, mane or fur collar.
There are two types of individuals: some have curly hair, which curls in curls-cylinders. For others, it’s wavy, shiny, falls down. The standard allows both types of coat, all the rest are related to marriage.
As for the colors, there are several:
- pure black coat;
- white wool with brown spots;
- the main tone is black or brown, additional – white;
- white – allowed if the dog is not an albino.
Portuguese Water Dog Character
The primary purpose of these pets is to help in every way. a man in hard work, which could not but affect their character. They were required to adapt quickly to any conditions and completely obey the owner.
“Portuguese” have high stamina, poise, patience and observation. They can cover large areas, and even their sharp sense of smell can be envied sniffer dogs. Such a pet can closely monitor everything that happens around and intervene if the situation requires it.
Dogs of this breed have a sharp mind, in intelligence they are compared with German and Scottish shepherd dogs, to which they are in no way inferior. But this quality can turn against owners if they don’t have there will be enough time to educate and educate your four-legged friend. Not being able to realize their abilities, the dog will direct them in a different direction – it can harm be stubborn, not obey.
The nature of the pet combines two opposite qualities: independence and great devotion. Being enough wayward, the dog can be obedient and childish.
The pet is very friendly to family members, not averse chat with guests who often visit the host and household members. He always wants to please the owner, and his obstinate temper, with the right approach to learning, is no more than mischief.
But the owner should not forget that his pet is a serious dog, with which should not be cursed, he demands respect for himself and attitude, as to the rest of the family. There are several key features about which future Portuguese owners it is advisable to know the water dog in advance:
- the pet is inclined to choose among family members one the owner;
- representatives of this breed are very contact, they are not bad get along with other pets;
- a puppy of this breed can be brought in a family with children, the pet also Get along well with older people.
Portuguese water dog is called real an antidepressant, making such a fourth friend is recommended people prone to depressive moods. In Europe, dogs of this breeds are actively used in rehabilitation centers for psychological support for patients.
Training
The “Portuguese” are quite active and inquisitive, therefore have a positive attitude towards learning. But if they don’t like something, they will certainly show their character. Therefore, experts recommend starting to educate and train your pet as much as possible earlier.
Do not think that a little puppy is not able to learn teams. In fact, a set of basic commands a dog can execute already from 2 months. And thanks to early socialization, the pet quickly will understand how to behave “in society.” To do this, you need it bring to crowded places, give the opportunity to communicate with people and other animals.
It is desirable that the puppy can communicate with their own kind, educated individuals, ideally, if they belong to the same breed. Of course, not yet burdened with good manners, the baby can get a “slap in the face” from older brothers, but not worry, he will remember such a lesson for a long time. 
If profile training is supposed, then it is best of all entrust to an experienced instructor. But if the owner has some knowledge and skills, then he can independently train his four-legged friend.
Serious training is recommended to start from six months, to this the age of the “Portuguese” is very smart, diligent and understanding. Monotonous simple tasks seem boring and too easy for him.
Do not make it easier for your pet during training, it’s important for the dog to think, be smart and quick-witted. Important select a set of creative tasks that would not be trained only physical condition, but also intelligence, and also strengthened innate instincts.
Care and maintenance
If you choose the ideal conditions for the content of the “Portuguese”, then it should be a private house with the possibility of self-walking on the house territory and mandatory morning and evening boardwalks with the owner.
Owners who decide to have such a pet in the apartment, must be taken into account – you will have to walk with your pet more often and longer than with representatives of other breeds. Puppies “Portuguese” are very smart, they quickly learn to do “tricks” on a rag or a diaper.
The hair of these dogs is long, structured, it requires regular but easy care. It’s enough to purchase a special a brush suitable for curls, and regularly comb out your pet. Such procedures will provide a beautiful appearance to the woolly. cover, protect it from the formation of warlocks and clean from debris and mud.
An additional advantage of dogs of this breed – they do not have specific smell. In winter, with long walks, wool can stray into dense, snowballs, so it is recommended to dress dog in overalls. Wool “Portuguese”, as well as other water rocks, repels water and dirt, so it does not need frequent the washing up. It’s enough to bathe a dog using detergents once a 5-6 months.
Most dogs of this breed adore water and do not miss Possibility to swim in the nearest body of water. If it’s hot, then after the water procedure, the animal should be wet with a towel. It is worth remembering that many parasites live in fresh water, so you should not forget about regular preventive deworming.
The hair around the eyes deserves special attention, her recommended to wipe daily. Ears should be cleaned every day. an animal using a cotton pad soaked in boiled water or special tool. The teeth of the “Portuguese” are strong, large, but need regular preventive examinations. If the dog the enamel is quickly coated, then it must be removed, using a brush.
Do not forget about the processing of the pet from the outside parasitic insects – ticks, fleas, even mosquitoes carriers of dangerous infections that these representatives tolerate harder than other canines. In summer It is recommended to wear a pet insecticide collar.
Feeding
Dog owners have a choice – feed the pet natural food or choose a suitable diet. Dog will be healthy and cheerful, and his coat will shine if given feed high quality – premium or super premium. Usually they contain all the necessary components, and their composition as much as possible balanced. Additionally, introduce vitamin and mineral complexes with such nutrition will not be required. 
If the owner prefers natural feeding, then you will have to take care yourself so that the four-legged friend receives the required amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates. Usually in this case the dog needs an additional source of vitamins. Pick up a suitable complex will help a veterinarian.
Portuguese water dogs are not lazy, they can spend a lot of energy. So, their diet should contain a large amount of protein. In winter, dogs kept outside it is necessary to increase the portion of food.
Health and Heredity
The breed is quite rare, so information about what hereditary ailments its representatives suffer, Hardly ever. It is precisely known that among the diseases caused by gene or chromosomal mutation, puppies may develop acne, dermatological ailments, epilepsy.
During a period of intensive growth, a manifestation of neurological disorders: tic, short-term paralysis of the limbs, similar conditions occur when joint tissues are pinched by nerve the roots.
Photo of portuguese water dog 
Video
Puppy purchase and breed cost
In Russia, dogs of this breed are very rare, therefore will have to look for experienced breeders or nurseries who, on in fact, very few. You may have to reserve a baby and wait a while.
There is little information about the breed, so scammers do not sleep, giving out various curly mestizos for purebred “Portuguese”. By buying puppy without documents, the person runs the risk of acquiring ordinary mongrel. Yes, she’s likely to become a great family member, regardless of the breed, but the surprise will not be pleasant.
Portuguese dog puppy is quite expensive for the future owners will have to pay from 70,000 to 200,000 rubles.
Portuguese water dog attracts lovers of rare breeds, and as a result, literally wins their hearts. Such a pet will become a great companion, friend and even a member of the family.
