ARE PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS HYPOALLERGENIC?

Portuguese Water Dogs have short, not shedding hair and are considered working dogs, meaning they are a breed that needs to stay busy. This breed is considered a hypoallergenic dog. Traditionally used to assist in fishing expeditions, the Portuguese Water Dog is kept as a house pet today. This breed is not as common as other breeds. Still, if you want a hypoallergenic dog who's lively and enjoys companionship, this breed may be the one for you. 

Portuguese Water Dog is not bred as often as other hypoallergenic dog breeds. If you want to breed your dog, you will have to search for a breeder online, in the newspaper, or by calling breeders in your area until you find one. The PWD needs to stay busy; otherwise, they get bored. You should have plenty of toys to play with, and you may want to consider crate training when you are not home. The crate will keep your dog in one place, preventing him from chewing your stuff and destroying your home. 

Crate training should begin right after you bring the dog home. By placing a blanket, toys, and water into the crate, you will make a dog comfortable while you are away. You should not use the crate as a punishment. It will make your dog not want to go back when you leave for the day. After training the dog, you will have to keep up with the routine. This will give the dog structure and will also salvage your possessions. Keeping the dog in a crate when you are not at home will also reduce allergens. 

Portuguese Water Dogs need to be groomed every two months or so. There are two patterns that most groomers follow, the retriever cut and the lion cut. The retriever cut means the hair is cut evenly on the body. The lion cut leaves the front half of the dog's body covered with hair, while the hair on the hind legs is cut short. You should take the dog to have his hair groomed if you are not comfortable cutting it yourself. 

If you consider buying a PWD, prepare yourself for constant companionship. These breeds need to be walked, and they need to be entertained throughout the day. If you need to travel on vacation or for work, you should board the dog not to be lonely. Portuguese Water Dogs typically live between twelve and fifteen years. 

Portuguese Water Dogs are easygoing and get along with children and most adults. If you are looking for a breed that does not shed and will fit in with your family, then the PWD is the breed for you. Most Portuguese Water Dogs are black in color, but some are white or a combination of black and white. Their hair is curly or wavy, similar to a standard poodle.