Advantages and disadvantages of Portuguese Water Dog.The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the most sociable and mischievous dogs you can own, and its curly coat is irresistible. However, as with any dog, there are several pros and cons of the Portuguese Water Spaniel that you should be aware of before welcoming a sparkling-eyed Portuguese Water Spaniel into your home. It's vital to carefully evaluate both when deciding if they're right for you, so let's dive into some details about owning a Portuguese Water Dog below.

Advantages 

There are a lot of things that people love about Portuguese Water Dogs, such as their intelligence, non-shedding coat, spirited enthusiasm for life, and more. Let's delve into the main reasons why Portuguese Water Dogs can add a unique charm to your home.

1. Easy to train

They are very intelligent dogs that are eager to please others. Therefore, training them is usually a fun time for everyone who owns one. They can be funky and funny, but never unreasonable. The Portuguese Water Spaniel is both obedient and super smart, which makes it the perfect combination for a new dog owner. Like all dogs, consistent positive reinforcement is your best friend. They also have a curious nature, and you can almost see the gears spinning in their furry little heads as they explore or figure out how things work in their environment.

2. They are hypoallergenic compared to other breeds

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Portuguese Water Dog is approaching that level. They shed much less hair than other furry dog breeds, which makes them an ideal companion for allergy sufferers. Please note that they can cause dandruff and saliva allergies, so regular cleaning with a high-quality vacuum cleaner is necessary to alleviate these problems. Trimming your hair also helps to reduce hair loss. The less hair they have to begin with, the less hair will trigger severe allergies!

3. Friendly

Portuguese Water Dogs are not physically servile, although they are more cautious with strangers than family members. However, they can warm up quickly! Combined with their attractive and manageable size, their outgoing personality makes them a great companion for children. They love to play in the yard, stroll in the dog pool, run a few laps, and cool off at your feet at night. Sometimes Portuguese Water Dogs are often mistaken for rude behavior, but in reality they are just trying to entertain you and bond.

4. Have fun

Portuguese Water Dogs are a vibrant breed that deserves the most active and happy family. As the name suggests, they are natural swimmers, but they are also happy to join you for a morning run. Expect lots of dog park trips and tons of playtime. They need lots of mental stimulation and raw exercise. This means toys like tug-of-war ropes and educational toys like sturdy pet stuffed animals are great for them. But their playfulness also helps them thrive in agility or advanced obedience training.

Disadvantages of owning a Portuguese Water Spaniel

As a dog owner, you'll need to take regular walks in the park, but it's more than just a simple walk in the park. In addition to the typical duties of caring for a dog, Portuguese Water Dogs have some noteworthy drawbacks. They range from mild to severe and may cause you to give up on raising them, so refer to the following disadvantages and judge for yourself if they are suitable.

1. Expensive

The Portuguese Water Spaniel is a relatively rare breed and hard to find except for specialized breeders. Of course, these breeders are very expensive, ranging from $14,000 to $21,000 and up, depending on your area and availability. But this does not include the cost of vaccines and veterinary medical care that you will need to pay.

2. Regular Sorting Required

Although hair loss in Portuguese Water Dogs is rare, their thick, fluffy coats need to be groomed regularly to keep them clean, healthy and beautiful. You'll need a sturdy, double-sided shedding brush with soft bristles on one side and pins on the other. The latter is used to untangle tangled mats, while the former is used to redistribute the oils in the fur to restore its natural shine. Ideally, you should brush them once or twice a week after bathing to keep their coats in good condition. Trimming their coats is also necessary to prevent them from becoming messy. The most popular hairstyle among Portuguese Water Dogs is the Retriever haircut, which is a short, full-body hairstyle that accentuates the dog's face and hips. A more dramatic option is the lion haircut, which is longer but harder to maintain. If you want to spend less time brushing, we recommend the houndstooth hairstyle, but if you're willing to put in the effort for their beauty, the lion hairstyle is beautiful too.

3. too smart

The phrase “too smart for your own good” can be used to describe Portuguese Water Dogs. They are often eager to please, but can also have a tendency to be independent and stubborn - every puppy is different. This means they can investigate new or interesting things as they please without worrying about the damage they may cause. This means you need to be more careful about your dog's affairs and keep them engaged enough to not play freely anywhere. They are very receptive to new things, but when they do like something new, they tend to be very fashionable and trend-seeking.

4. Get bored easily

Like many energetic breeds, Portuguese Water Dogs get frustrated and anxious when they are bored. If you miss a walk, they will notify you in some way. This could be chewing on your shoes or digging holes in the yard, but the point is that you want to keep them occupied. Exercising for an hour a day is a good start, but if your Portuguese Water Spaniel is still showing signs of boredom at the end of the day, you may need to increase the intensity of your exercise.