Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the most unique dog breeds that exist today. Also known as “Cao de Agua”(dog of the water), these pups are notorious swimmers. There are plenty of dog breeds that can swim well, but the Portie has one advantage - they have webbed feet.

These pups were an invaluable tool for Portuguese fishermen. They were taken on fishing trips and were able to assist in many different ways. The Portie would herd fish into the nets, retrieve lost gear from the water, and even pass messages from boat to boat! With proper training, there is little that the PWD can’t do.

The Portie nearly became extinct in the early 20th century as fishing became more modernized. There was a wealthy dog lover at the time known as Vasco Bensuade who showed a particular liking to this breed. He began introducing them to dog shows and increasing their popularity. Their existence today is essentially thanks to this man.

The Portie thrives in an active family, especially ones with a pool or that live by a beach. They have tons of energy that they need to burn daily. These dogs are highly intelligent and will quickly become bored without mental stimulation. They also have a great sense of humor. Owners have described their Portie hilariously playing the "clown" to get everyone in the room's attention. How can anyone not love these unbelievable animals?

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