Remember Bo Obama? Bo Obama was the former First Dog of the United States, loved by children nationwide. He is perhaps the most famous Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) Breed.
Funny, playful, and a joy to be with….and a great swimmer too, with his webbed feet and all that….
Bo Obama…
He is 15 years old now; that’s the senior year for a dog. He is everything you expect from a perfect family dog. He is a gift that doesn’t stop giving, at least as far as Portuguese Water Dog Breeders are concerned. As a result, ever since Bo Obama was brought to the White House, demand for Portuguese Water Dog Puppies has been massive surge in the United States.
And while…
Very few folks knew much about this dog breed from the Iberian Peninsula before President Obama and their family chose to adopt one; now, we need more of them. They are everywhere, on magazine covers, TV, and even children’s comics!
Which is a good thing…
If you ask us because these guys are a true “Family Dog.” One that is kind and loyal until the very end. He is also very full of energy, zest, and enthusiasm. As well as curious, friendly and outgoing, and funny too. Plus, he loves playing in the water; he is a water spaniel.
He is also an inveterate attention seeker. He wants everyone to stop whatever they are doing and start looking at him. He loves playing with kids and follows them everywhere.
But do you think you should Bring the Portuguese Water Dog Puppies Home?
Yes, there is no reason why you shouldn’t. The Portuguese Water Dog is fast rising on the popularity charts, and there is a lot of curiosity about this dog. Perhaps this is the right time to bring him home.
Warning: This breed of dog will attract attention everywhere it goes. People will stop you on the street as you take him out for a walk and ask:
“Isn’t that Obama’s dog?”
A sure conversation starter, this Water Spaniel from Portugal! However, remember to bring Portuguese Water Dog Puppies from reputable breeders who run an ethical breeding program. Also, remember that Portie, as he is called, is a very active dog. He needs his exercise. It would be best if you made it a point to take him out walking daily. If you don’t have time, hire a professional dog walker.
Portuguese Water Dog Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Portugal
Height: 17 to 23 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Working Dog
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
History and Origin of the Portuguese Water Dog
The PWD hails from the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal. He has always been a favorite of the fishermen from that region. And back there, these guys are often called Pelo Ondulad, the curly-haired one.
Now we should point out that…
The PWD shares many similarities with the Poodle, with whom he shares a common ancestor. He was used in the development of the Irish Water Spaniel as well. But it wasn’t until the PWD was brought to Newfoundland, Canada, later by Portuguese fishermen, who went there searching for a better life, that this dog became known throughout the Americas.
In fact…
Although these dogs have been around for many years, they didn’t “officially” arrive in the United States until the late 1950s. This is why the first Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA Org) wasn’t formed until 1972. The PWD was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.
And even though…
The Portuguese Water Dog is a fine animal; nobody paid much attention to this dog until former President Barack Obama decided to bring a Portuguese War Dog Puppy to the White House in 2008.
Physical Characteristics
The PWD is a mid-sized dog of the right size and weight to fit into an apartment in the city. He is between 17 to 23 inches in height at shoulder level and weighs 35 to 60 pounds. These guys have a very muscular body structure and impressive stamina, much like any working dog. He is often seen with a “lion clip” and resembles a miniature lion cub. He has bushy eyebrows that cover most of his eyes, a thick beard, and large, sloppy ears.
And as we pointed out before…
He is called Pelo Ondulado in Portugal because of his curly coat. Some PWDs have a coat with compact curls, while others have coats with wavy curls. The nice thing is that these dogs do not shed at all and do not have an undercoat. His coat is usually black, white, or different shades of brown.
But we should point out that…
Although they don’t really “shed,” their coat will require some pretty high maintenance to keep their skin looking good. You have to brush and comb him every day. Well, that’s a lot of work, but if the Obamas can do it, so can you!
Personality and Temperament
The PWD has many excellent qualities – he is loyal, funny, and great with kids. He is the perfect family dog or companion dog, bringing joy wherever he goes. He’s an intelligent dog who will likely surprise you with some fantastic things he does. He is also sensitive and knows how to perk you up when you’re feeling down.
But probably…
The best thing about the PWD is that he is very good with kids and makes an excellent playmate for slightly older children aged five and above. So if you have a toddler at home, you better wait a couple of years before bringing this dog home, as he can get excitable sometimes and could accidentally hurt your child. He also gets along with cats and other dogs but cannot be trusted around rabbits, hamsters, and other small animals.
Potential Health Concerns
Portuguese Water Dogs are a reasonably healthy breed of dog. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years, which is decent enough. Remember, the Great Dane only lives for seven years. But they are prone to certain diseases, possibly because of a genetic disorder. They can suffer from health issues such as…
- Hip Dysplasia,
- Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy,
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA),
- Storage Disease (GM1).
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
I think they are a great dog. As soon as I fix the third large gate, we will set about buying a portugese water dog puppy.