Portuguese Water Dog
Athletic Portuguese fishing dog with a hypoallergenic curly coat. Obama's dog Bo.
Photo: Pexels User / Pexels
The Portuguese Water Dog ("Cão de Água") was bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen — 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 3× weekly; trim every 6–8 weeks.
Common health issues
Hip dysplasia. Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (DNA test). PRA. Storage disease GM1 (DNA test).
👍 Best for
Allergy-sensitive families, water-loving households, active homes.
👎 Not best for
Sedentary households.
Buying guides for Portuguese Water Dog owners
Buying guides for Portuguese Water Dog owners
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