Did you know that a Portuguese Water Dog was the pet of choice for the Obama family during their time in the White House? That’s right, Bo and Sunny, the lovable canines seen in many a presidential photo, are proud members of this unique breed. And they aren’t the first famous members of their kind; Portuguese Water Dogs have a long history as hard-working, dedicated fisherman’s helpers. They’re clever, spirited and super friendly – kind of like your best friend wrapped up in a bundle of fluff!
But is this seemingly loveable breed actually difficult to deal with as a pet? Let’s dive in and find out because choosing a new puppy for your family is a significant decision. And it’s important to match your lifestyle with the right breed.
It’s true that Portuguese Water Dogs (also known as Porties) are intelligent and active animals. They were bred to herd fish into nets, retrieve broken tackles or lost nets, and act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. It’s safe to say that an idle life is not for them! So, one thing is clear: if you lead an active lifestyle, have a love of play, and are fond of challenging activities, you’ll get on well with a Portie.
But hang on. You might be wondering: what if I’ve got a nine-to-five job or I’m usually in and out of the house? Does that mean a Portie isn’t the right fur-friend for me?
Not necessarily. There’s no denying that these dogs have energy in spades. Yet, with a little help from a daily dog walker or a doggy daycare, even working folks can find a sweet spot with a Portie.
Here’s a fun fact: Porties are typically better for people with allergies. They are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair – not fur – which means they shed less. As a bonus, their tight, waterproof curly or wavy coats keep pet dander to a minimum.
That said, their coats do need regular grooming. About every six weeks or so, be prepared to set time aside for a trim, or to visit a professional groomer. They’ll look (and feel) right at home with a ‘lion’ cut, the traditional cut which makes these dogs look like… you guessed it, miniature lions – albeit friendlier and less wild!
Now, let’s talk about the Portie’s brain power. These dogs are smart as a whip. Therefore, they need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Enrolling your Portie in obedience classes would be a fantastic start. It will also give your Portie the opportunity to socialize.
And speaking of socialization, Porties aren’t just good with people – they’re also pretty friendly with other animals too. They even have a knack for fitting in well with households that already have pets. It seems that these dogs are just great on all fronts.
Except for… well, they can be a bit ‘mouthy.’ Besides barking, they’ve a tendency to chew on absolutely anything they can get their jaws around. From shoes to furniture – nothing is safe! But this issue can be controlled with some good training and discipline.
Dealing with a ‘mouthy’ Portie can be handled with consistent, positive training methods—one of the many reasons why early training is recommended. Remember, these guys are intelligent and thus can be trained out of bad habits. It’s vital, though, to be patient and consistent with them.
One handy tip to know is that Porties are food-driven. They adore a tasty treat! So yes, you can actually take advantage of this to teach them what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
Like any dog breed, Porties come with their own set of challenges, but the same can be said for their bounty of rewards. With their loving, adventurous spirited personality, they will add joy and life to any household.
In conclusion, calling a Portuguese Water Dog difficult might be a bit unfair. They might require a bit more attention in terms of grooming and activity, but the loving companionship and loyalty they offer are unmatchable. With the right family, and guidance, they will grow into disciplined and caring pets.
Remember, in the end, a dog’s behavior is much about how they are raised. An unruly dog is usually the result of neglectful ownership, not an unruly breed. If you invest time, energy, and love in your Portie, you’re going to get nothing less than a best friend! So, is a Portuguese Water Dog a difficult dog? At the end of the day, only you can be the judge of that. Enjoy the journey!
