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Obamas are not the only Portuguese Water Dog fans
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The White House via Getty Images
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With all of the excitement surrounding the First Family’s new dog, Bo, Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) breeders are wary of an increased number of uneducated people rushing to acquire their own PWDs. When a particular dog breed is put into the spotlight, with a movie, a Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show win, or by a celebrity’s adoption, many people hurry to get “that dog” without researching whether that breed is suitable for their needs. This has two devastating consequences: 1) irresponsible people breeding unhealthy dogs to make money selling puppies; and 2) unwanted dogs being surrendered to shelters or rescue groups (if they are lucky) when people find out how much responsibility is required for that type of dog.
The Obama family chose the PWD breed because of Malia’s allergies. However, this is not the breed is perfect for everyone with allergies. Temperament and health should be at the top of your breed consideration list. Also include activity level, trainability (all dogs are trainable, but some require more work on the person’s part than others), size, and grooming needs when considering which breed is best for you.
The Portuguese Water Dog breed originated in Portugal, as its name implies. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), fisherman used the dogs’ swimming and diving abilities to retrieve broken nets, dive for fish, carry messages between boats and shore, and to guard the boats. The breed was first introduced to the United States in 1958; the AKC recognized the breed in the Working Group in 1983. Male dogs generally weigh between 40-60 pounds and female dogs weigh between 35-50 pounds. The coat is curly or wavy, similar to that of a poodle. It does, however, require frequent brushing and regular haircuts. PWDs are intelligent and very active. They like to have a job and need an outlet for their energy. They do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. PWDs need obedience training; with proper socialization they make loving and loyal family pets.
As with any purebred dog, there are genetic health issues to research. Hip dysplasia has become an almost ubiquitous disorder among poorly-bred dogs, but can show up even in dogs whose lineage has been screened. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is fairly common in PWDs, but can usually be screened out in breeding stock. Of particular concern in PWDs is GM-1 Storage Disease, a fatal, recessive, genetic disorder. The pool of PWDs is small, due to the breed’s rarity, so most of the carriers have been identified and taken out of the breeding pool.
If you decide that the PWD is the dog for you, please do more research before choosing a dog. Responsible breeders choose to breed dogs for the love of the breed, not to make money. They have their animals screened for genetic health problems and only breed the ones who are healthy. They socialize the puppies and make sure that they are vaccinated before they go to their new homes. Please do NOT purchase a puppy from a pet store or from someone whose price seems “to good to be true”. These puppies usually come from puppy mills or “backyard breeders”, people who have no concern for the animals’ health – only for making money.
Even better – adopt a rescue dog! The Colorado Portuguese Water Dog Rescue can help you find the PWD that best fits your household and lifestyle. They are also a great local resource of information about the breed.
Genetic screening for dogs
Ongoing research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
Where you should get your puppy
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