Portuguese Water Dog (detailed introduction)

        The Portuguese Water Dog has always been praised by Portuguese fishermen. This dog is medium-sized, sturdy, able to work all day in water or on land, making it a very good working companion. Generally, males have a height of 50.8–58.4 cm, females 43.2–53.3 cm; the body is rectangular, with body length slightly greater than height.

        Its skull is relatively broad, with a determined expression. The eyes are medium-sized, with a wide distance between them, neither protruding nor sunken, black or brown in color, with black eye rims. The ears are heart-shaped and thin.

Viewed from above, the top of the skull is very wide, with a depression in the middle; the forehead protrudes, with a groove in the center. The nose is wide with dilated nostrils, black; the tongue underside and gums are black. The shoulders are sloping and muscular; upper arms are strong; forelimbs are straight and sturdy. There are webs between the toes, consisting of a layer of skin covered by hair, extending to the tips of the toes. The two hind limbs are parallel, very straight, with well-developed muscles, full hips, and strong rear hocks.

        The coat is thick and dense, with curly and wavy shapes, so regular grooming and trimming to remove stray hairs is necessary. Colors include black, white, or various shades of brown, as well as mixes of black or brown with white. Their walking stride is relatively small with a light and lively gait. But when running, the stride is large and the body balance is very good.