Do Portuguese Water Dogs like to cuddle?
Catherine/Moody:When they choose to and as time has gone on! Generally, they are a really energetic breed and quite like their independence – everything is typically on his terms!! I have also noticed that Moody is more cuddly in the winter which I think is coat related as he gets very warm in the summer so someone else’s body heat isn’t welcomed! He cuddles more in the morning & when he’s sleepy – every 4am he jumps on the bed, wakes you up by trying to sit on your head and then goes to sleep with belly rubs. Great for him, not great for those who want a full nights sleep!
Michael/Neo: Oh yes, they do. Our Portie has the habbit of leaning towards our legs with his full body weight and a heartmelting look saying: please, cuddle me!
A robust, reliable fisherman’s helper
Originating along the Algarve region of Portugal, Portuguese Water Dogs existed at least as early as 1297. A monk’s report mentioned the Portuguese Water Dog’s rescue of a dying sailor, with the dog being described as having ‘a black coat of rough hair that was cut to the first rib and a tuft of hair on the tip of its tail.’
Known in Portugal as the cão de água (literally ‘dog of water’), Porties were bred to be all-around helpers to fishermen. The dogs lived on the working boats, diving underwater to herd fish into nets and retrieving broken or lost fishing gear when needed. The breed also carried messages from ship to shore and vice versa.
PWDs worked round the clock with fishermen. Because of the physically demanding nature of their job, Portuguese Water Dogs developed a well-built, robust body of strong muscles, particularly in their hindquarters.
Fishermen also modified the Portie’s coat to make it a more efficient swimmer. They would shave the hair from the dog’s rear and muzzle to improve speed and leave hair on the main body, neck, and head untouched to insulate the vital organs and protect the dog from injury. This style of coat would later be known as the ‘lion clip.’
In the 1930s, technological advancements in fishing nearly caused the extinction of Portuguese Water Dogs. Fortunately, a businessman named Vasco Bensaude acquired a Portie and bred it to many females. Bensaude’s Portie, named Leão, mated with so many female dogs that half of the world’s pedigreed PWDs trace their lineage back to him.
Thanks to Bensaude’s revival of the breed, there are more than 10,000 Portuguese Water Dogs registered around the world today.
The Portuguese Water Dog: Affectionate and Playful Companion
Portuguese Water Dogs are adventurous pups that love to romp about and play and engage in all sorts of activities. In fact, it’s this very quality that makes them a great fit for children, although perhaps not so much for children under two. These pups can tend to have a strong will, and while very loyal and loving, could easily knock your one-year-old over with their rambunctious, doggy antics. Of course, early socialization and proper training can help defuse these habits.
However, this dog will take very quickly to everyone in your family, offering constant devotion, protection, and companionship.
Portuguese Water Dog Pros And Cons | Should You REALLY Get A PORTUGUESE WATER DOG?
Ideal for owners who want a medium-sized, intelligent, active dog, Portuguese Water Dogs require a high level of physical activity and prefer being with their guardians. Portuguese Water Dog At a glance
Portuguese Water Dogs were originally used to herd fish into nets and retrieve broken nets and tackle that fell overboard.