About PWDs
If you've done much research, you'll likely have heard that PWDs are not suitable for everyone. They do command an enormous amount of time and attention--sort of the moral equivalent of having a permanent two-year-old in the house.
This breed is very high energy, definitely needs a lot of obedience training, and can be destructive and difficult if not adequately exercised mentally and physically. Some PWDs (though not all) are fairly reactive dogs and not necessarily tolerant of children, other dogs, and strangers.
That being said, for the right people (like me) there will never be another breed. I absolutely adore them. I tell people that adding a PWD to the family is much like adding a very brash two-year-old to the family. They take a lot of dedication, but will reward you with unfailing attention and an incredible joie de vivre.
Also, a
Daily Finance article on genetics of coat texture in PWDs referring to some brand new genetic research.
For
PWD history and the PWDCA official
breed description, click
here.
Information on
health testing and
genetic diseases in the PWD is
here.
Click here for a neat older video from AKC on history of the breed, and judging the
structure and gait of the Portuguese Water Dog.
For information on
PWD grooming with illustrations of the various coats types and clips, click
here. Print the
grooming guide and give it to the groomer to be sure you take home a PWD and not a poodle or bichon or bedlington!