Portuguese Water Dog
K9 Breeder Showcase
Portuguese Water dogs make excellent companions. They are loving, independent and intelligent. Because they are working dogs, they are generally content in being at their master's side. Owners of this breed will attest that their PWD usually stays in close proximity to them both indoors and outdoors. This is typical of the breed, as it loves attention and prefers to be engaged in activity of all kinds. This is not a breed to be left alone for long periods of time, indoors or out. A PWD will commonly jump as a greeting. Owners may choose to limit this behavior. Though very gregarious animals, these dogs will typically bond with one primary or alpha family member. As water dogs, the retrieving instinct is strong which also gives some dogs tugging and chewing tendencies. This breed makes an excellent guard dog due to its determination to defend its territory and a very loud and distinctive bark.
While excellent companions to those who understand their needs, Portuguese Water Dogs are not for everyone. Their intelligence and working drive demand consistent attention in the form of regular vigorous exercise and mental challenges. They look (and are) soft, cuddly, cute -- but are not to be mistaken as "couch potatoes." When bored, PWDs will become destructive. A PWD will get into the garbage, silently snag food off the kitchen counters when your back is turned, and even learn to open cabinet doors.
PWD with stolen itemsDue to their instincts to retrieve, you may also find that Portuguese Water Dogs love to steal, carry and collect anything you may leave laying around. Socks, Gloves, children's toys and balls are the first to get carried away. The need to carry in some PWD's is very strong especially when happy or excited. Plan to provide your PWD with something or even in stores like Petsmart you may find they'll help themselves to something they carry out of the store. Content & Pic from Wikipeda.org GNU Free Documentation
