@iamwillatherton: The Portuguese Water Dog is another breed where the history explains a lot about the dog you get today. They were developed along the coast of Portugal to work alongside fishermen, spending long days on boats and in the water. Their jobs included retrieving lost tackle and nets, carrying messages between boats and shore, and helping move fish into nets. So they needed to be strong swimmers, physically tough, intelligent and very comfortable working closely with people. That history still shows up very clearly in the modern breed. They’re usually highly trainable. They often love water. They tend to be very people-focused. And many of them have a lot more energy and working ability than people expect from a dog that’s now primarily kept as a family companion. They were bred to be useful. To solve problems. To respond to their handler. And to keep going. That means a Portuguese Water Dog generally does best when you give them something meaningful to do. Swimming. Retrieving. Scent work. Obedience. Structured play. Anything that gives their brain and body a job. And because they were bred to work so closely alongside people, they can also become very dependent on constant interaction if you never teach them how to switch off. So alongside all the activity, I’d still put a huge amount of emphasis on calmness and independence. Understand what they were bred for, and the intelligence, enthusiasm, athleticism and love of being involved in everything starts to make a lot more sense. #PortugueseWaterDog #DogBreedHistory #WorkingDog #DogTraining

Kiwi :

My boy knows no job and that is his favourite job

HA :

Portugal is home to several distinct indigenous dog breeds, most of which were historically developed to perform heavy agricultural, livestock guarding, and hunting duties across the country’s varied landscapes. Among the most widely recognized is the Cão de Fila de São Miguel, originating from the Azores islands, where it has traditionally served as a tenacious cattle dog capable of managing herds in rugged terrain. In the mainland mountains, giant guardian breeds like the Estrela Mountain Dog (Cão da Serra da Estrela) and the Rafeiro do Alentejo were selectively bred over centuries to protect sheep flocks and farm estates from predators like wolves. These breeds are characterized by their strong territorial instincts, formidable size, and deep loyalty to their human handlers. Another notable mountain breed is the Cão de Castro Laboreiro, coming from the northern regions of Portugal, known for its distinctive dark brindle coat and history as a vigilant flock protector. Alongside working guardians, Portugal boasts famous hunting and retrieving breeds. The Portuguese Podengo, which comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and two coat types (smooth and wirehaired), is a versatile hound bred to hunt rabbits and small game individually or in packs. Rounding out the hunting repertoire is the Portuguese Pointer (Perdigueiro Português), an ancient bird dog valued for its keen sense of smell and quiet demeanor in the field. Together, these indigenous breeds reflect Portugal's deep rural traditions, working heritage, and distinct geography.

LooLoo :

Tell me about the Portuguese sheepdog similar dog but lived in the mountains of Portugal

CaDi :

My dream to own one!!

𝓣𝓮𝔁 :

The PWD has the most amazing history, and such incredible dogs! Can't forget that the farthest back the breed dates is 1297 when a monk wrote about them!

❤️‍🔥 :

When I was in highschool in Lagos Algarve a Portuguese water dog breeder would bring the dogs to our class and let them stand on the tables to show their anatomy. I saw them in Cais da Solaria jumping into the water and Diving it was incredible! Their fur doesn’t fall out Like other dogs! Its Like human hair 😌

ricardofr-200 🐴🌈🕊️☮️ :

I'm so very sorry but... PORTUGAL MENTIONED!!! WOOO 🥳🎉🥳🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹SIUUU

Algarvornia Algarve :

The reason this breed ended up in the White House: Portuguese Water Dogs are hypoallergenic, Ted Kennedy gifted one to the Obama family because of Malia Obama's allergies.

mimib97 :

fucking crazy breed. BEWARE😂

laura :

A lot of people offer the pwd as an alternative to doodles, what do you think?

MAD Madeleine :

Fun fact they can also be shepherd dogs, I have two Portuguese water dogs, one loves water and the other loves to be a shepherd dog. All of them have different personalities but all in one they are just great dogs

Cetadrius :

any thoughts on the other 2 portuguese breeds? not that many people outside Portugal even know about them...

Vince :

My girl Arch, wavy coded PWD, is 13 weeks old today. Incredible smart and sits at my feet all day especially in the kitchen. Her and I are counting the days until fully vaccinated because she is ready to get after it!

Marta Gonçalves :

I had one when i was a kid and its a exceptional breed. Super smart, super calm, super kind. Love them

susie_ham68 :

My friend was dog sitting one. They are way tougher than I thought. Great guard dog too.

Algarvornia Algarve :

Couldn't explained it better ❣️

Rosa’s Kitchen 👩‍🍳 :

My boy don’t have any jobs and he loves to be lazy 🥰🥰 well he loved a long runs every day, but he’s so tired now only walking .😂

johnnypereira138 :

karenmck666 :

Thats on my dream dog list 🥰🥰

Noffozki :

lagotto romagnolo

Mars :

I knew the woman who saved the breed, her name is Conchita Cintron, look it up.

FinlayandFrankie :

Dalmatian please