PWD FAQ
Portuguese Water Dogs are fun, friendly, active dogs — but they are not the dog for everyone. They are smart (you have to stay a step ahead of them) enthusiastic (not good for anyone who isn’t stable on their feet) require attention ( when I got my first one the breeder asked if I liked to go to the bathroom by myself . She said I never would again.)
Before you continue your quest for a puppy please make sure this is really the right time to add a new family member, and that a PWD is the right dog for you.
Portuguese Water Dogs are not the dog for everyone.
They are Not Hypoallergenic.
Training is critical for these dogs.
They are NOT a good dog for every family.
They are very mouthy.
This is a working breed.
I just want a pet. Do I have to have a show dog to get a PWD?
Having an intact dog (a dog that is not spayed or neutered) is a big responsibility, and a dog must be intact to be shown. A bitch (female dog) will start coming into season for between 5 months and a year. They will generally be in season twice a year for a month at a time. During that time they are attractive to male dogs and must be kept inside or on a leash at all times. You have to be careful around other dogs, and you may find that your home becomes a magnet if you have loose or stray dogs in your neighborhood.
Male Dogs can’t get pregnant, but they can be run by their hormones. The sweetest, most obedient dog will have a personality change around a bitch in season. Another issue for the owners of intact dogs is that other intact male dogs will react to them. Even if your dog isn’t “doing anything” his presence may seem threatening to another intact dog and cause a reaction.
I strongly recommend that intact dogs not be taken to dog parks or other off-leash areas where they may run into other intact male dogs.
They are very smart which means it's like having a toddler forever.
If you haven't spent time with a PWD that's the next thing you should do.
When Lola went home her family thought she’d be a great companion and go for long walks. She does that AND she’s become an agility star.
Ruben is Ruby’s littermate, and a Champion. Now he spends time doing water work.
Luna lives on Whidbey Island WA where she has her own boat.