Portuguese Water Dog

This miniature Newfoundland is native to the Algarve province of Portugal. Some believe he is the result of crosses between the Barbet and various local breeds. He has traditionally aided fishermen on the boat and in port.

This energetic, impetuous, tough dog with great endurance and a good nose is an extraordinary swimmer and diver, making him very good on water game. He can be a watchdog and makes a delightful pet. He needs firm training.

He needs space and lots of exercise, as well as frequent combing and brushing. For competition, the hair on the hindquarters must be clipped from the last rib to two-thirds of the way down the tail.

Head:Strong and broad. Domed skull. Prominent brow bones. Pronounced stop. Muzzle narrower at the nose than at the base. Strong jaws. Nose wide, matching coat color. Thick lips.
Ears:Set on high, thin, hanging flat against the head with the back edge standing out slightly.
Eyes:Medium-sized, round, slightly slanted. Eyelids edged with black.
Body:Strong. Short, rounded neck without dewlap. Broad withers. Chest broad, well let-down. Well-sprung ribs. Small abdomen. Straight back. Slightly sloping croup.
Tail:Thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. In action, curled in a circle. The tail is a valuable tool for swimming and diving.
Hair:Tough. No undercoat. Two varieties: long and wavy, or in short tufts. Wavy hair on the head (crisp hair in the second variety) forming a sort of topknot.
Coat:Solid or a combination of colors. Solid white, black, or brown. A combination of black or brown with white.
Size:Dog: 54 cm. (21.3 in).Bitch: 46 cm. (18 in).
Weight:Dog: 19 to 25 kg. (42-55 lb).Bitch: 16 to 22 kg. (35-48.5 lb).
Group:Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs