Medium · Working group
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog is a medium dog in the Working group. AKC scores point to higher energy, higher grooming needs, lower shedding, and higher trainability.
Illustrative image. Individual dogs vary in markings and build.
- Life expectancy
- 11-13 years
- Typical weight
- 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
- Typical height
- 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
- Origin
- Portugal
- AKC recognized
- 1983
AKC trait scores
The broad tendencies, in one view.
Scores use the AKC's 1-to-5 scale. They describe a breed tendency, not a specific dog or a guarantee of behavior.
Daily rhythm
Energy
Lower means a calmer everyday energy level.
Mental work
Higher means more regular mental engagement.
Vocal tendency
Higher means more frequent barking or vocalizing.
Adaptability
Higher means more ease with routine or environment changes.
Home upkeep
Shedding
Higher means more loose coat to manage.
Grooming frequency
Higher means more frequent coat maintenance.
Drooling
Higher means more drool to live with.
Trainability
Higher means the breed usually picks up training faster.
Social tendencies
Young children
Patience around young children.
Other dogs
How the breed tends to do with other dogs.
Strangers
Higher means more openness to new people.
Family affection
Affection toward the family.
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