Portuguese Water Dog

Athletic Portuguese fishing dog with a hypoallergenic curly coat. Obama's dog Bo.

GroupWorking
OriginPortugal
Weight16–27 kg
Height43–58 cm
Lifespan11–13 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

The Portuguese Water Dog ("CΓ£o de Água") was bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen β€” diving for nets, retrieving lost gear, and carrying messages between boats. Athletic, intelligent and famously hypoallergenic. Made famous in modern times as the Obama family's "Bo".

Temperament

Friendly, intelligent, energetic, biddable.

Exercise needs

60–90 minutes daily plus swimming if possible.

Grooming

Long curly coat. Brush 3Γ— weekly; trim every 6–8 weeks.

Common health issues

Hip dysplasia. Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (DNA test). PRA. Storage disease GM1 (DNA test).

πŸ‘ Best for

Allergy-sensitive families, water-loving households, active homes.

πŸ‘Ž Not best for

Sedentary households.

Products for Portuguese Water Dog owners

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