-->

• About Portuguese Water Dogs

  Portuguese water dogs originated in Portugal and were used to herd fish into nets. They are a medium sized breed with thick wavy or curly coats that shed little and are Hypoallergenic.AKC: Portuguese Water Dog Breed Standard

  In April 2009, reports said the Obama family had chosen a Portuguese water dog puppy for their family dog. According to The Washington Post, Sasha and Malia Obama decided to name the six-month-old black and white pup "Bo." Michelle Obama's late father was nicknamed "Diddley," after singer Bo Diddley. The Post said the puppy was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy, who owns two Portuguese water dogs.WashingtonPost.com: The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash People.com: Michelle Obama: White House Dog Coming Soon!

• Fast Facts

  1. Origin: Portugal
  2. Height: 17 to 23 Inches
  3. Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
  4. Life expectancy: 10-14 years
  5. Considered highly intelligentDog Breed Info.com: Portuguese water dog
  6. Do not shed; a Hypoallergenic Dog
  7. In Portugal, the breed is called Cao de Agua (dog of water)AKC: Portuguese Water Dog Breed Standard
  8. Reportedly the dog breed of choice by President Barack Obama and familyPeople.com: Michelle Obama: White House Dog Coming Soon!
  9. A six-month-old Portuguese water dog named "Bo" was expected to make his debut as first dog on April 14, 2009WashingtonPost.com: The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash
  10. Puppy is said to be a gift from Senator Ted KennedyWashingtonPost.com: The First Puppy Makes a Big Splash
  11. Ted Kennedy owns two Portuguese water dogsPeople.com: Michelle Obama: White House Dog Coming Soon!

• First Dog

  In February 2009, first lady Michelle Obama said her family hoped to adopt a Portuguese water dog from an animal rescue.People.com: Michelle Obama: White House Dog Coming Soon! Some breeders did not respond positively to the news, fearing that the resulting boost in popularity would lead to the abuse of Water Dogs in puppy-breeding mills.KYW Radio (PA): Local Portuguese Water Dog Breeder is Concerned (February 27, 2008)

• Health Problems

  The Portuguese Water Dog is a purebred and is susceptible to health problems. Some of the issues that are common with the breed are cataracts, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. The dog is generally easy to groom and sheds very little hair, they require light brushing and occasional clipping.AKC: Portuguese Water Dog Breed Standard

• Sports and Activities

  The breed is renowned for its energy, stamina and ability to work well in the water.AKC:Portuguese Water Dog The breed was originally an exceptional worker for fisherman, hauling fishing nets and transporting messages between ships.Dogster: Portugese Water Dog

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Obama Dog | Labradoodle | Hypoallergenic Dogs | Border Collie | Shetland Sheepdog | Doberman Pinscher | Samoyed Dog | Beagle | How to Buy a Purebred Beagle | How to Clean Dog Urine | Irish Wolfhound | Mastiff | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Weimaraner | Tibetan Mastiff | Golden Retriever | Dogs | Miniature Schnauzer | Dog Food | Border Collie | Irish Setter | Labrador Retriever | Hypoallergenic Dogs | How to Remove Matted Fur from a Dog | Organic Dog Food | Pet Airways | World Health Organization | Health Promoting Schools | Eco Shopping | How to Start a Small Business | How to Find a Job | Animal Rescue | How to Volunteer

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page