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Portuguese Water Dog

dog breed

Hypoallergenic

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Élevé

Coat

|tête=

Maintenance

Faible

Training

Moyen

The Portuguese Water Dog is a water dog breed from the group of water dogs. It was initially found along the Portuguese coasts where it helped fishermen catch fish in nets. It was also found on fishing boats as far as the banks of Iceland, sometimes serving as a messenger between ships. In Portugal, the dog is known by the name of Cão d'Água ('water dog') or Cão Pescador Português ('Portuguese fishing dog').

Read more (18 mots)

It is claimed to have hypoallergenic hair even though no scientific study corroborates this.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Élevé

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Faible

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Lifespan: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of activity per day for their well-being.
  • 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Portuguese Water Dog

Origins & history

A story told

The first known description of a Portuguese Water Dog is made by a monk in 1297. His account tells how a dog of this type saved a sailor from drowning.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Portuguese Water Dog of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of portuguese water dog (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a portuguese water dog ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a portuguese water dog ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

221 g

per day · 839 kcal

111 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Portuguese Water Dog (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

Appears in

Portuguese Water Dog in our rankings

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Portuguese Water Dog

Is the Portuguese Water Dog suitable for apartment living?+
This depends on the individual: their size requires space and exercise, provided their need for outdoor time is met.
How much exercise per day does a Portuguese Water Dog need?+
Plan for approximately 1 hour of daily exercise — brisk walks, play, or dog sports.
What is the lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Proper diet, regular veterinary care, and exercise contribute to a longer lifespan.
Is the Portuguese Water Dog good with children?+
This should be evaluated on an individual basis: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with any animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Portuguese Water Dog.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.