It has webbing extending along the full length of its toes and a tail that helps it swim and dive, according to the FCI standard. On fishing boats, it was part of the crew: diving after escaping fish, helping when a net tore or a rope came loose, and swimming between boat and shore.
| FCI | Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs), Section 3 Water Dogs, Standard No. 37, without working trial |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Portugal |
| Height at the withers | Males 50 to 57 cm (ideal 54 cm), females 43 to 52 cm (ideal 46 cm) |
| Weight | Males 19 to 25 kg, females 16 to 22 kg |
| Life expectancy | Median 13,0 years in a British analysis of 584.734 dogs (McMillan et al. 2024), with only 179 dogs of this breed |
| Coat | Abundant, resistant, without undercoat; two varieties: long, wavy hair or shorter, curly hair |
| Colours according to the standard | Black or various shades of brown, also with white in specified places, or solid white with dark pigmentation |
From the entire coast to the Algarve
According to the standard, it once lived along the whole Portuguese coast. As fishing modernised, its range contracted; today it is found mainly in the Algarve, considered its place of origin. The standard calls it a Portuguese national breed.
Clever, proud and strong-willed
Exceptionally intelligent, understanding and happily obeying every command: this is how the temperament description begins. In the same breath, the standard mentions a strong temperament, wilfulness, pride, impetuosity, frugality and stamina. On board, it guarded boat and catch. Expect an attentive dog that announces strangers and needs calm, clear guidance.
Two coat varieties, no undercoat
The long, wavy coat has a slight sheen and is soft; the curly coat is shorter, denser and forms cylindrical locks. When the coat grows very long, the standard describes the customary clipping of the hindquarters, muzzle and tail, leaving a small plume at the tip. Plan for thorough combing down to the skin and regular clipping appointments. Similarly demanding curls belong to the Poodle (Caniche) and the Lagotto Romagnolo.
A dog drawn to water
The standard says its muscles are remarkably developed because of frequent swimming. Swimming, water retrieves and water work are ideal, with search games on land.
Health: hips, heart and hormones
The median of 13,0 years is based on just 179 dogs, with a correspondingly wide confidence interval of 11,5 to 14,9 years (McMillan et al. 2024). In Sweden, 20,6 per cent of 1.000 young Portuguese Water Dogs had hip dysplasia of grade C or worse (Engdahl et al. 2026). An inherited weakness of the heart muscle in puppies is known: in a case series, 12 related puppies died of heart failure at an average of 13 weeks, while their parents were healthy (Dambach et al. 1999). Addison’s disease, an adrenal insufficiency, is also strongly inherited in the breed, with estimated heritability of 0,49 (Oberbauer et al. 2006). Ask about hip results and puppies in the line that died from heart weakness.
In good hands with
People who love water, enjoy a clever, lively dog and make firm plans for grooming and clipping.
Consider another breed if
you want a dog without grooming demands, have little time for training or want one that lets strangers into the house without comment.
Find out whether a strong-willed fishing dog suits you in the breed quiz; our book offers more detailed guidance: “Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?” (book in German). For the first days with a puppy, there is the free Puppy Starter Pack. Find a picture of your water dog among our dog portraits from your own photo, also as a magazine cover on canvas.
Further reading
- Poodle: already doing what the Doodle only promises
- Housetraining a puppy: the plan for the first 4 weeks
- Leaving your dog alone: learning without drama, step by step
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI-Standard Nr. 37 Cão de Água Português (Portugiesischer Wasserhund) (fci.be, German version dated 06.09.2013, valid standard published 04.11.2008); McMillan KM et al., Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death, Scientific Reports 2024; Engdahl K et al., Prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in young adult dogs in Sweden, Veterinary Record 2026; Dambach DM et al., Familial dilated cardiomyopathy of young Portuguese water dogs, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1999; Oberbauer AM et al., Genetic evaluation of Addison's disease in the Portuguese Water Dog, BMC Veterinary Research 2006.
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