Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog helped fishermen on the Algarve coast: it herded fish into nets, retrieved gear that fell overboard and carried messages between boats.

Nearly extinct in the 20th century, it was revived by a dedicated Portuguese shipowner.

Intelligent, energetic and very affectionate, it is close to its family and usually good with children. It learns very quickly.

It needs occupation: without activity it can become destructive.

Hip dysplasia, some inherited eye diseases and a rare storage disease should be monitored. Tests are available.

Choose a breeder who tests their breeding dogs.

Food matched to its activity suits it.

Avoid excess weight.

It needs one and a half to two hours of daily activity; swimming is its favourite.

It also excels at agility and obedience.

In summer, walks during the cool hours and a shorter clip are recommended. It suits active families, ideally with beach access; because it sheds little, it appeals to tidy households.

Its coat hardly sheds but grows continuously: brush several times a week and clip regularly at the groomer.

Dry its ears well after swimming.