Obama's Dog - Portuguese Water Dog

It happens every four or eight years as a new president and their family move into the White House. Even the most respectable reporter is johnny on the spot with a TV crew to get that all important shot of the first pet. Obama's dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, is no exception. He certainly is a cute, adorable, handsome example of his breed. Since Bo was thrust into the limelight for all to see, interest in the breed has skyrocketed. Being the caretaker of an animal is rewarding, however there are several things to consider before attaching a leash to a dog collar.

Deciding to bring a puppy or adult dog into your home is a commitment that is given for the lifetime of the dog. Sharing your life with the right dog for the right reasons will make caring for a pet a happy, healthy and rewarding experience for caregiver and pet. A Portuguese Water Dog is a wonderful dog, but adopting or buying any kind of pet should not be done because someone famous has the same breed. There is no one breed that is better than all the rest. However, there is that one special dog or puppy who will fit in with a family better than any other one can. Consider all family members, including any pets already in the home. Not all dogs are buddies to cats or other small animals. The age of children should also be considered. Some dogs are more active than others, and some require more grooming. Time, commitment and energy will be required to meet the needs of any dog.

What is a Portuguese Water Dog. Also called PWD or Portie.

Native to Portugal, these working dogs were bred to go with fishermen on their boats and be their right hand assistant. Excellent at diving and swimming, the PWD carried messages to other boats and the shore, retrieve damaged nets, dive for fish, fetch anything that fell overboard and guard their owner's boats when they were sitting in port. By the 1930's, radios and wenches replaced the Portie on ships and the breed almost died out. They were revived when a rich shipping tycoon, Vasco Bensaude who loved the qualities of the dog, started breeding them. A breeding pair of Portie was introduced to the United States in 1958. AKC recognized in the early 1980's, the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a companion dog today as well as a therapy and assistance dog. They are superior in water activities and water trials, agility and obedience.

Life with a Portuguese Water Dog.

A Portie is loyal, very intelligent, loving, stout, energetic and brave. They are easily trained, but, as with any dog, you have to establish yourself as the alpha of the pack. A quiet, confident, firm tone of voice works best to establish yourself as the pack leader. Be consistent with commands. A Portie is smart and independent enough to snatch the lead role from their owners if they sense they are more in control than their owners. Playful, with a sense of humor, they like to be the center of attention. If you are looking for a dog to keep in the back yard, forget a Portuguese Water Dog. They need plenty of exercise and want to be around those they love. Chewing can be a problem, but as long as chew toys are made available along with proper training, damaged table and chair legs can be averted. A Portie will adapt quickly to most other pets. However, cats and a Portie may need some time to adjust to each other.

Medium sized and hypoallergenic, this breed is an excellent dog for kids. The coat will need regular maintenance. Combing and brushing is a great bonding experience for the dog and everyone in the family.

Health concerns for the Portuguese Water Dog.

Generally healthy, a male PWD weighs upwards to 60 lbs. and the female up to 50 lbs., with a life expectancy of 10-14 years. Swimmer's ear is a concern if they spend a lot of time in the water. Make sure to dry the ears after a swim. Watch out for hip dysplasia, a deformity in the hips, and PRA, which is a condition with no cure that causes blindness in dogs. Before breeding a Portie, they need to be tested for GM-1 Storage Disease which is a fatal nerve disease that can show up in a puppy when they reach 6 months of age. Most purebred dogs are susceptible to genetic defects, but because the Portuguese Water Dog is considered rare these days, the gene pool is limited. Qualified breeders are careful and cautious when selecting dogs to breed in order to reduce genetic diseases. Whenever a particular breed is featured in the media, popular interest draws people who either don't care or who have no idea what they are doing into the business of dog breeding. Puppy mills spring up and buyers need to beware of breeders who don't have a license. Check qualifications to make sure a breeder is reputable. Otherwise, you can end up with a puppy that is unhealthy, requiring expensive vet bills or worse, end in an early death. Only use reputable breeders by going to the PWDCA.org website for information on member breeders or the PWD Health and Litter Database for breeders. The cost for a Portie is between $1,000.00 up to $2,900.00.

Portuguese Water Dogs would be a valued family member for anyone looking for a great campaign who is loyal, strong, trustworthy and intelligent. Take your time when deciding to bring a dog into your home. Consider everyone in the family as well as the space you have inside and out. Whether you chose to adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder, do your homework to insure the dog you want to share a home with is the right fit for everyone, including the dog. Stay away from puppy mills. They may offer a purebred dog cheaper, but you are likely to end up with an unhealthy animal with defects that don't show up until the pup is older.

Don't bring a Portuguese Water Dog or any breed into your home because someone famous has one. Consider one because you want to open up your home to a loving pet. That is the only reason to buy or adopt a pet and you will be rewarded with one of the best relationships you will ever have.

AKC Meet the Breeds: Portuguese Water Dog, American Kennel Club

Portuguese Water Dog, Mahalo

Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, PWDCA