Have you always wondered what it would be like to own a Portuguese Water Dog? This is an active canine that can keep you on your toes. They are rewarding to have around the house and perfect for outdoorsy people. Let’s learn more about their needs and what you can expect when you own a Portuguese Water Dog.
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What Can I Expect from the Portuguese Water Dog?
A lot of people recognize the Portuguese Water Dog since they were the pets of the Obamas in the White House. Indeed, they are popular canines that started out helping fishermen with their jobs. Just as you would guess from their name, the Portuguese Water Dog loves to be in the water and have fun.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a large canine at 1 foot 5 inches tall. They can also weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds. Often the male Portuguese Water Dog is larger and heavier than the female.
Do They have a Good Temperament?
The Portuguese Water Dog is known as an active and fun-loving canine. They are at their best when they are outdoors and running around, as well as swimming. They are always enthusiastic and up for a challenge or new adventure. The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent pup and this can mean they are easier to train than some other breeds.
Since the Portuguese Water Dog loves to play, they can be goofy and funny to have around the house. They will also put a smile on your face and provide entertainment. Just make sure that the Portuguese Water Dog is not left alone for long periods of time. This can make them destructive and they can develop separation anxiety. Therefore, if you are going to be out at work for long periods during the day, this might not be the breed for you.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDo They Need a lot of Exercise?
You will have to be prepared to exercise your Portuguese Water Dog. They require around 30 minutes to one hour of strenuous exercise every day. This can be delivered in a variety of ways depending on your schedule. For example, you can take them running, hiking or play a game of fence. Of course, they will also enjoy going for a walk if this is going to be all day. They are very strong swimmers too and this is a fantastic type of exercise.
Something to know about your Portuguese Water Dog is that they like to chew. So, you should make sure that there are toys around the house that can satisfy this need. This is also going to prevent your pooch from becoming mischievous and chewing on your belongings or furniture. This is a breed that is known to mature later on than other canines. So, they are going to have a playful and naughty side for longer.
The Portuguese Water Dog is also a very intelligent canine. This means that they will get bored in the house if they are left with nothing to do. Providing toys is a good way to entertain your canine and to play with them during the day. They are also intelligent pups and will benefit from regular and short training sessions. This is going to exercise their brain.
Do They have a lot of Grooming Needs?
The good thing about the Portuguese Water Dogs is that they are hypoallergenic. This means that if you have allergies to dogs, this might be a breed that is better for you. The coat of the Portuguese Water Dogs can be one of two types. This includes curly and wavy. They do not have an undercoat and this can be better for your allergies.
There are going to be some grooming needs associated with the Portuguese Water Dog. This includes brushing your furry friend several times per week. This is going to keep your fur soft and make sure that there are no tangles or knots that can cause discomfort. It is best to start brushing your canine from an early age so that they can become used to this process. It can also become a fun and enjoyable experience that allows you and your Portuguese Water Dog to bond.
The Portuguese Water Dog will require some coat trims in order to keep their fur out of their eyes. You can take your canine to a professional groomer for this. Your furry friend might need a bath on a regular basis. This is particularly true if you take them swimming a lot during the week.
Where Can I Find a Portuguese Water Dog?
Do you love the Portuguese Water Dog’s energy and enthusiasm for life? If you have decided that you can keep up with this furry friend, you will be wanting to know where you can find the Portuguese Water Dog. The first place you should start looking is the local animal shelter. There are a lot of canines here that are looking for their forever home. The Portuguese Water Dog is not going to be the most common dog that you find in a shelter. But it is not impossible to find this breed here.
You can also look online for a Portuguese Water Dog. An owner might put up an advert if they are trying to re-home their canine. Ask questions and to meet the pooch before agreeing to adopt a canine from the internet. In addition, there are charities and rescue organizations that can help you adopt a Portuguese Water Dog. Contact them and see if they know a pup looking for a home.
Another option you have is to find a Portuguese Water Dog breeder. There are going to be several of them across the country and you can purchase a puppy. The most important thing is to do your research and find one that is reputable and experienced. Expect the Portuguese Water Dog to come with a high price tag. The benefit of getting a puppy is that you can start on their training and socialization from an early age.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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