Portuguese water dog | Everything you need to know
Animal lovers, especially dogs, know the importance of being well informed before adopting a new pet, not only because in this way you can know that race is ideal for each person, in terms of personality and also in needs so we present the Portuguese water dog.
- Size: Medium.
- Weight: Between 15 and 25kg.
- Hair type: Curly and long.
- Character: Friendly, dynamic, loyal and outgoing
- Health: Healthy
- Life expectancy: Between 10 and 14 years.
Behavior, skills, size, food and care are some of the aspects that should be considered in the adoption of a dog. And, for us, offering data about the description of the different dog breeds is really very entertaining.
That is why in this post we will devote ourselves to deepen everything related to the Portuguese water dog, a very recognized canine breed, striking not only for its beautiful appearance, but also for its extroverted and dynamic attitude.
Do you want to adopt a puppy and you don't know if the Portuguese water dog is the right one? Next, we will give you all the details that will convince you that this canine is an ideal pet.
Portuguese water dog origin
The name given to this breed is the perfect indicative for its origin. It is a canine species from the coastal province of Algarve, Portugal. In its beginnings, The Portuguese water dog was a faithful fishermen's companion, for their high hunting skills and in the safeguard of vessels.
His company at the fishing era was quite useful, because he was chasing his prey intensely, preventing his owners from losing sight of him. In addition to being necessary, he immersed himself in the water to catch them for himself. It should be noted that swimming was one of its most valued skills.
Another very popular virtue of these canines was their widely acute vision, which allowed him to appreciate the presence of ships between the fog, which in numerous opportunities prevented serious accidents, with the only barking as the only warning for the maritime ships.
In 1960, the race was on the verge of extinguishing, because its use in maritime work had been replaced by technological artifacts, reaching Portuguese water dogs a figure not greater than 50 copies in the aforementioned province. However, a group of admirers of the beauty and agility of these canines dedicated himself to preserving his species, saving it from the disappearance.
Physical characteristics of the Portuguese water dog
In general, it is a corpulent canine, with medium height. In the case of females, the average size is not usually greater than 50 centimeters; while males can measure 55 centimeters. Reaching both genres a weight that ranges from 15 to 25 kilograms.
Head
Your head is usually prominent and wide -sized.
Eyes and ears
With round eyes, not very large, of generally dark color, and fallen ears.
Nose
The color can vary depending on the fur, however, it is very common to be black and wide size.
Body
It has a well -defined but robust body.
Paws
In a thickened and aligned way, while their feet have a palmated mold that allows you to make your swimming skills more easily.
Line
The tail of our Portuguese water dog also has a shape that facilitates its displacement in the water because it is slightly detached from the body. Notably thick at the base and smaller towards the tip.
Fur
One of the most striking characteristics in The appearance of the Portuguese water dog It is your fur. First, colors can be black, white or brown. Or combined, such as: black and white or white and brown. The density of the fur is abundant and thick. Portuguese water dogs can be seen with long and smooth and very short hair.
One of the usual cuts in the Portuguese water dog fur is known as "León cut." In this case, the back of the fur was released, allowing him to move more quickly inside the water. While the front remains abundant, which protects him from cold in the water.
Portuguese water dog temperament
We not only talk about A canine with positive physical characteristics, but also of friendly, dynamic, loyal and extrovert behavior. To which is also added the ability to exercise and remain in constant movement. So, if you like sports training, the Portuguese water dog can be an excellent companion.
Fidelity towards his master and his family is another of the qualities of this beautiful animal. It is a protective dog, so entrust your home to this can, it will not be a problem either. It adapts easily to life in any space, however, if it is coexistence in places of reduced space, such as an apartment, it is necessary to take it to give frequent walks, because it needs training and constant physical activity.
With other pets
The relationship of the Portuguese water dog with other pets is quite good. So, if you want to have more than one dog, there will be no problem.
With children
It is a playful, sweet and very active dog. So it will easily adapt to a home with children, because it loves games and entertainments.
Care of a Portuguese water dog
The Portuguese water dog requires general care, just like any other pet. Be sure to take care of it properly to extend your life expectancy and also maintain the full welfare of the canine.
Hygiene
Both body hygiene and dental are really important in the life of the Portuguese water dog. In the case of the first, it is recommended to take bath and drying of the animal at least twice per month. Using a special dog shampoo and, in addition, a moisturizer, because the large amount of hair can cause dry skin.
Although it is a race with abundant fur, it does not require brushing, quite the opposite. It requires care that helps avoid knots such as separating your fur in parts before the bathroom.
On the other hand, dental hygiene is equally essential. Adapting the Portuguese water dog to these habits from puppy is the most recommended. Surely the canine will not be pleasant, but we will avoid large number of oral diseases.
Feeding
Taking care of these animals is equally important. Feeding it with moderate amounts twice a day will be enough to maintain a balanced diet. Managing for it I think with high content of nutrients and vitamins.
Exercises
Because it is a large dog and robust body, you need to practice exercises constantly. In this way it will avoid atrophy in its joints and obesity. Frequent walks and games in the park will allow you to stay in good health.
Deworming and vaccination
The fulfillment of the vaccination and deworming of the Portuguese water dog, as the veterinarian raises, is strictly necessary if it is desired to expand its life expectancy between 12 to 15 years. It is a dog more susceptible to external and internal parasites, so rigorous control must be maintained to avoid major evils.
Portuguese water dog training
It's about A very smart and attentive dog, so training is not difficult at all when it comes to these canines. Avoiding barking is very necessary, because there is talk of a very prone breed to this behavior. Show yourself authoritarian but calm and coherent, in this way you will know that you are serious.
Not giving much freedom is the most recommended because, in some cases, they may think that they have control over their owners, so teaching him patiently the limits of things is highly recommended and will ensure that your dog is trained in the right way.
Difference of a Portuguese water dog and a Spanish one
Although these are water dogs that share ancestral history thanks to the "Turkish dog", they have different characteristics that make them different. Among them:
Origin
The main difference between these two animals is that one is from Portugal and the other in Spain.
Contexture
In addition to this, the height is another notorious difference. The Portuguese water dog, both male and female, usually measure about 10 centimeters more than Spanish. As with its weight, the Portuguese water dog "wins" to Spanish, for its musculature and robust contexture, which they develop more easily.
Fur
The fur is another difference between both dogs. While the Portuguese water dog accepts two versions (straightened and curly) of its fur, the Spanish water dog commonly presents wavy hair, usually grayish.
Barak Obama's partner
An interesting curiosity about the Portuguese water dog is that it is the breed of the family of the former president of the United States Barak Obama, which has been seen on numerous occasions to play with them and posing for the press.
Definitely The Portuguese water dog can be an ideal partner, not only to stay at home, but also for the realization of outdoor activities, including swimming. So if you plan to adopt a pet, surely the Portuguese water dog is one of the main options you should consider.
Other dog breeds that may interest you:
Share