The Portuguese Water Dog is a lesser known breed with many one-of-a-kind and appealing qualities. They're a highly energetic breed with a long history as a working dog. The Portuguese Water Dog is believed to descend from the same original dogs as the Poodle, the Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Irish Water Spaniel. The first reference to a water dog similar in type and function as the Portuguese water dog is in text by a monk in 1297, when a dog in a trim similar to the lion cut seen in the current day show ring on Portuguese Water Dogs and Poodles assisted a drowning sailor to shore.

That the first reference to a Portuguese Water Dog or their immediate ancestors includes a water rescue would not be a surprise to fans of the breed. When he was the companion of Portuguese fisherman, the dogs actually herded fish into the nets, retrieved lost equipment including damaged nets, and acted as messenger dogs between boat. Their work ethic and value as a partner to Portuguese fisherman made the Portuguese Water Dog and inseparable part of the fishing culture along the coasts of Portugal.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a moderate sized dog, with males averaging a height of 20-22 inches at the shoulder, females 17-22 inches. Females weigh from 35-50 pounds, while males may be up to 60 pounds. They are slightly rectangular, a little longer in body than they're tall, and of a moderate build that provides the strength for work without being coarse or too refined. Overall, they're blocky from head to tail their head is noted for breadth, and is like an assembly of squares and rectangles.

Perhaps one of the distinctions of the Portuguese Water Dog and the root of some of their popularity is that they're a single coated dogs. Considered by dog fanciers to be “hypoallergenic” in the same manner as Poodles and Bichon Frises because their minimal shedding makes them a dog that many allergy suffers can tolerate. This does vary by individual, but the reduced shedding and water dog tendency not to have dry/flaky skin if fed a proper diet, reduces their allergen production.

The Portuguese Water Dog is still a dog maintaining a working temperament. They're not a dog that does well if left alone all day in the house or in a kennel. The Portuguese Water Dog requires sufficient exercise, training, and a “job” whether that be formal obedience and agility work or some aspect of your life that they are granted to assist with daily. They do ideal when they can be a Velcro-dog attached most days to one or more of their family members. They generally do well with children if socialized with them early-on, and do require a significant commitment to socialize in various situations as puppies to develop into the most stable dog possible.

Most owners note that you must have a sense of humor to live with a Portuguese Water Dog, as they most certainly do. As with many intelligent working breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog requires a certain investment of yourself to keep, but they return that investment many times over with their joyous company.