What kind of health problems do Portuguese Water Dogs have?

But currently the most critical issue is heart disease, specifically cardiomyopathy, which can cause sudden death in puppies at 2-7 months old. Other heart diseases also occur in the PWD, including pulmonic stenosis.

How can I tell if my Portuguese Water Dog has PRA?

Fortunately, a simple DNA test is available for PRA in Portuguese Water Dogs, so you can find out at any time whether your dog has the disease, carries the disease, or is clear of it. Other eye diseases in the breed are eyelash abnormalities and persistent pupillary membranes.

When does a Portuguese Water Dog reach full maturity?

Portuguese Water Dog Breed Development. As a medium-sized breed, Portuguese Water Dog puppy development typically spans 18-20 months from birth to full maturity.

Where can I get a Portuguese Water Dog?

Based north of Melbourne, Australia, we have been involved in this breed since 1997.  There are a number of pages to explore here, and for those of you interested in getting involved with the breed, we are enthusiasts happy to meet with you, share our knowledge, and show you our dogs.

What did the Portuguese Water Dog do for a living?

The Portuguese Water dog breed once served as crew on fishing trips, retrieving lost gear, and herding fish into nets. Today, he’s a fun-loving family companion — represented by Bo Obama, First Dog of the U.S. — who still retains the intelligence and love of the water (not to mention the webbed feet) that made him so valuable to his human family.

Is the Portuguese Water Dog a hypoallergenic dog?

Highlights. They can be reserved toward strangers, but are never lacking in love and affection for their families. Portuguese Water Dogs don’t shed much and are often considered hypoallergenic. Keep in mind that all dogs shed hair and dander to some degree, and no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Why are Portuguese Water Dogs good for deaf people?

The PWD’s biddability, high intelligence, and tendency to vocalise and then seek out its human master when specific alarms occur make it an ideal hearing-ear or deaf-assistance dog. PWDs can be readily trained to bark loudly when a telephone rings, and then to find and alert a hard-of-hearing or deaf master.

What kind of voice does a Portuguese Water Dog have?

Portuguese Water Dogs have a multi-octave voice. They tend to be quiet dogs although they will warn when the home is approached, and they will communicate their desires vocally and behaviorally to their owner. Their bark is loud and distinctive.

How old does a Portuguese Water Dog Get?

Young Portuguese Water Dogs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people. Mind of their own. Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and capable of learning a great deal.

Is the Portuguese Water Dog a smart dog?

Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and capable of learning a great deal. But they do have an independent mind of their own. They can be manipulative and willful. You must show them]

Young Portuguese Water Dogs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people. Mind of their own. Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and capable of learning a great deal.

But currently the most critical issue is heart disease, specifically cardiomyopathy, which can cause sudden death in puppies at 2-7 months old. Other heart diseases also occur in the PWD, including pulmonic stenosis.

Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and capable of learning a great deal. But they do have an independent mind of their own. They can be manipulative and willful. You must show them]

When to spay or neuter a Portuguese Water Dog?

Last Updated: October, 2019 Start your Portuguese Water Dog off on the right foot by feeding the right food, giving the right vaccinations, finding the right vet, and if you’re going to spay or neuter, don’t do it too early. Jump down to this list of Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems