The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, energetic, and keen canine. The breed is extraordinarily clever and trainable. It was even the canine of alternative for former President Barack Obama and his household. Most recognizable for its black and white coat, Portuguese Water Dog colours can differ.
History of the Portuguese Water Dog
The working breed originates from, you guessed it, Portugal, going again so far as 1297. They had been first discovered within the Algarve area on the coast, the place the dogs lived on boats, helping fishermen with numerous duties and retrieving waterfowl. These dogs additionally would dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear, so the breed is of course an outstanding swimmer and excels within the water. The dogs even have webbed toes, highly effective hindquarters, and a rudder-like tail to assist them whereas swimming and diving.
Portuguese Water Dogs are thought of to be one of many extra hypoallergenic breeds, as their coats are low shedding. Their hair could be just like a Poodle’s with very tight curls, however some Portuguese Water Dogs have extra wavy coats.
These sturdy dogs are good for water-loving households who can sustain with their energetic nature. If you will have a pool at home or reside on a lake, the Portuguese Water Dog could also be for you. Here’s extra about what they will appear to be.
Rarest: White
A white Portuguese Water Dog is the least frequent colour you’ll see within the breed.
©Daz Stock/Shutterstock.com
It’s uncommon, however Portuguese Water Dogs could be absolutely white. It could be complicated, as a white Portuguese Water Dog could look just like a Poodle. However, the coat and physique kind might be what clarifies the distinction. Portuguese Water Dogs sometimes have a considerably stocky and stable, muscular body type. Their fur could also be extra wavy than the tight curls you see on Poodles.
Less Common: Tri-Colored
Some Portuguese Water Dogs have a number of colours on their coat, however it’s not the commonest variation.
©Ami Wells/Shutterstock.com
Some Portuguese Water Dogs have numerous brown, black, and white shades inside their coat. Their markings could be something from a black coat with brown across the face and white on the toes and chest, to a predominately brown canine with some white markings on the chest and toes and a little bit of black on their ears or their face. They could even have shades of black of their fur.
Common: Brown
Portuguese Water Dogs can are available a wide range of shades of brown, some so darkish they almost look black.
©Nika Stemberger/Shutterstock.com
Solid Brown is the fourth most typical colour for the breed. The tone of brown could be something from deep, darkish brown to a wealthy chocolate brown to tan, or perhaps a “liver” colour. Additionally, brown Portuguese Water Dog puppies could initially be a darkish shade of brown however fade as they develop older.
More Common: Black
Solid black Portuguese Water Dogs are a standard colour for the breed.
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The most typical stable colour for Portuguese Water Dogs is black. A black Portuguese Water canine often has a black nostril and black-colored or darkish brown eyes, as effectively. And in case you’re curious, the pores and skin of a black or black and white Portuguese Water Dog often has a bluish tone to it.
More Common: Brown With White Markings
Though some Portuguese Water Dogs have light-colored eyes, it’s not thought of customary.
©Maria Bell/Shutterstock.com
The second most typical colour is a mix of brown with white markings. Again, the white markings are generally on the chest, face, and toes.
In Portugal, the breed customary shouldn’t have greater than 30% white markings. The white markings could be on the chest or the chin, which is nicknamed a “milk chin”.
Most Common: Black With White Markings
When you image a Portuguese Water Dog, you could image the favored black-and-white colour mixture.
©Lynda McFaul/Shutterstock.com
Portuguese Water Dogs are sometimes seen with a colour mixture of black with white markings. It’s one of the crucial frequent colours for the breed. They could have white splashes on their chest, face, and toes. They may have a splash of white on the tip of their tails.
Though Portuguese Water Dogs are constructed for the water, their lovely fur does require some particular care. Their coat is waterproof and double-coated. They have a dense undercoat that helps preserve them heat in chilly waters. However, this sort of fur can simply mat, so it must be brushed out recurrently. A coat with mats could be painful for a pup. It would possibly pull on the pores and skin, making the canine extraordinarily uncomfortable.
The curly hair of Portuguese Water Dogs is often worn in a couple of alternative ways. Most pets are likely to have what is named a “retriever cut”, the place the coat is identical size throughout, round one inch. Some Portuguese Water Dogs put on a minimize often known as the “lion clip. With this model, the hindquarters, muzzle, and base of the tail are shaved whereas the remainder of the coat is left lengthy. The authentic goal of this model was to assist the dogs transfer extra simply in water and in addition to maintain them heat on the identical time. Whatever model they put on, these lovable, sporty dogs want common grooming to be essentially the most snug.
The picture featured on the prime of this put up is © LynMc42k/iStock through Getty Images
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