Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Portuguese Water Dog Breed

The Portuguese water dog is robustly built with
strong legs, they can have a wavy coat or a curly
coat and they're medium-sized with the male dog
measuring some 17-21 inches in height and
weighing between 39 and 60 pounds and the female
bitch measuring 16-21 inches and weighing 33-53
pounds. Their coats can be black or brown,
neither of which are allowed have white patches.
They have a single layered coat that does not
shed, as a result of which some people have
referred to this dog as hypoallergenic, because
people with dog allergies do not tend to react to
this breed.

History. This is a relatively ancient breed
having originated probably somewhere around the
12th century. It was originally bred to assist
fishermen and is fairly unique in the work it was
designed to carry out. Tasks they were bred for
ranged from retrieving tackle that had fallen
over the side of fishing boats, or washed
overboard, to retrieving any fish that jumped
free of the nets or fishing lines. Other tasks
were as a lifesaver, and they were even used for
carrying items from one boat to another or even
to the shore line. Quite uniquely, they are not
only a strong swimmer, but they can also dive
under the water if required to do so. There is
also thought, that these dogs share an ancestry
with poodles, although the Portuguese water dog
has a shorter coat. The first historical evidence
of this dog can be seen in a monk's account, of a
drowning sailor having been rescued, by one in
1297. Many years ago this breed teetered on the
edge of extinction, but in the 1930s a Portuguese
shipping tycoon hunted out the existing dogs and
via his breeding programme saved them.

Temperament. They make a superior companion given
their intelligence and loving nature, and whilst
an independent dog, they are still relatively
easy to train in a variety of skills. They are
friendly in their disposition and will get on
well with friends or strangers once properly
introduced. Typically, they will bond with one
person although will be quite happy with an
entire family, they will commonly stay fairly
close to their master or mistress. These dogs do
enjoy stroking and petting and their fur is such
that most people would have no problem
accommodating this desire. They will often jump
up to greet people, so thought should be given to
this during training, and that it is not uncommon
for them to walk or dance on their hind legs.

Health issues. As with all thoroughbreds they are
subject to certain genetic disorders, because of
their near extinction their gene pool is fairly
limited, making it hard to avoid these problems.
There is the possibility of a life threatening
heart defect, but this is quite rare. More
commonly they suffer the risk of hip dysplasia,
cataracts, night blindness, and in-growing
eyelashes, which cause eye irritation.

Grooming. Regular grooming is required using a
normal brush or comb, but due to the fact that
their hair is continually growing they will
require quite frequent cutting or clipping, which
can be done at home but is always better
professionally done at a salon.

Living conditions. This breed has an obstinate
and determined nature, which should be remembered
during training, to avoid problems in later life.
It enjoys games and can sometimes appear to be
impossible to wear out or tire. They can be
easily integrated into a family, although they
will need to know who is boss. Whilst a very
hardy breed of dog, they will prefer mildly warm
weather and a well ventilated atmosphere. It is
unlikely they would do well in an apartment, due
to their boisterousness and general need of
exercise.

----------------------------------------------------
For more information on the Portuguese Water Dog
Breed, Dog Training methods and Teacup Puppies
for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and
Morkies Please visit my website below.
http://www.scottspuppypalace.com/portuguese-water-
dog.htm

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=94882

>