What Is Size And Lifespan Of Portuguese Water Dog? As with the Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog may be traced back to the same ancestors. The first documented occurrence involving a PWD occurred in 1297 when a monk narrated the tale of a sailor who was drowning and the dog that rescued him. Fishermen continued to use the PWD for generations after that. He was responsible for hauling nets, diving for fish, and guarding the ship while it was docked.
The decline in PWDs is mostly attributable to the fishing industry’s increased efficiency during the 1970s. The breed was almost extinct by the 1930s. Portuguese shipping tycoon Vasco Bensaude is single-handedly responsible for the PWD’s survival. Using the remaining dogs, he started a breeding programme. Leao was the name of his most well-known pet dog. It is believed that as many as half of today’s PWDs may be traced back to Leao due to his progeny having been mated to several females.
After Bensuade’s letter to an American magazine was published, the breeding programme took off, and the Portuguese Water Dog became wildly popular in the United States. Dianne Miller, who co-founded the Portuguese Water Club in America in 1972, also played an important role in the rehabilitation efforts. In 1984, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the PWD as a legitimate dog breed.
The Average Weight and Size Of A Portuguese Water Dog
Males average 20–23 inches in height at the shoulders, while girls measure 17–21 inches. The human frame is robust and meant for labour. There is a length discrepancy between the head and snout, and the ears hang down. Although full size is reached at roughly 6–8 months, water dogs mature around 1–2 years.
The coat of the Portuguese Water dog may be one of two different styles. The first kind is tight curls, while the second is somewhat wavy and shiny. Neither an undercoat nor shedding are issued for these canines. They may have a “retriever clip” or a “lion clip,” which involves shaving the head and rear end. Black, white, and different hues of brown are the coat colours. Patterns of brown and black, or black and white, are also common. The skin of black, white, or mixed-colour dogs is often blue.
To avoid mating and tangling, the Portuguese Water Dog needs regular grooming. They must be washed and groomed often, with daily brushing and combing recommended. This dog requires a lot of care and attention.
Lifespan Of Portuguese Water Dog
The typical lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog is between 10 and 12 years. However, this is only an estimate.
Cancer, old age, heart difficulties, accidental death, and renal illness were listed as leading causes of mortality in a 2005 health survey conducted by the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Hemangiosarcoma is cancer that may affect any dog, but the Portuguese Water Dog is one of the select breeds in which it is more often seen. Blood vessel cancer often manifests in the heart, liver, or subcutaneous tissue.
Hey there! I'm Ximena and I absolutely love pets. Besides writing on this blog, I usually rescue orphan dogs and find them a new home
