Portuguese Water Dog Puppies for sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as the Portie or Cão de Água Português, descends from water dogs used by Portuguese fishermen to drive fish into nets and retrieve items from the water, likely sharing an ancestor with the Poodle who was also originally bred as a water dog. The breed's popularity declined dramatically in the early 1900s as fishing became modernized, but was saved from extinction by Dr. Vasco Bensaude who worked to re-establish the breed over several decades. The Portuguese Water Dog made its way to America during the mid-1900s and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983. These medium-sized, muscular dogs feature a dense single coat that can be wavy or curly in black, white, or brown, often clipped in a lion or retriever style, and are considered hypoallergenic with very light shedding making them ideal for people with allergies.

Active, intelligent, and full of energy, Portuguese Water Dogs are delightful companions who need substantial physical and mental exercise and especially love to swim, true to their water dog heritage. Their playful and friendly nature makes them excellent family dogs who thrive on being around their human pack, though they do not do well in kennels or when left alone for extended periods. These eager-to-please dogs are typically easy to train and respond well to directions, making them great for active families with children. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular maintenance including combing or brushing 2-3 times weekly to prevent tangles, monthly trimming, and frequent rinsing with fresh water after swimming to remove damaging chemicals, plus regular ear checks to prevent moisture-related infections.