Portuguese Water Dog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Portuguese Water Dog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed's country of origin is Portugal.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Its FCI standard is number 37; under FCI it is in Group 8, the retriever and water-dog group, Section 3 Water Dogs, with no working trial.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed's traditional work is helping with fishing and retrieving, as well as acting as a companion dog.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* AKC height is 20 to 23 inches for males (ideal 22) and 17 to 21 inches for bitches (ideal 19); FCI gives 50 to 57 cm for males (ideal 54) and 43 to 52 cm for females (ideal 46), with weight 42 to 60 lb (19 to 25 kg) and 35 to 50 lb (16 to 22 kg) respectively.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is profuse and firmly rooted, of strong healthy hair with no undercoat, covering the body evenly except for thinner hair under the forelimb and in the groin; it comes as either tight cylindrical curls or gentle waves, and is shown in a lion or retriever clip.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Accepted colours are black, white and various browns, plus black or brown combined with white; FCI also permits solid white provided the nose, eyelids and mouth stay pigmented and limits white markings to certain areas.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The temperament is spirited, strong-willed, brave and very tireless, with exceptional intelligence and a loyal, obedient nature toward its owner and handlers; FCI adds that it is a willing, sober, penetrating swimmer and diver.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying faults include aggression or extreme shyness, clear physical or behavioural abnormality, size outside the limits, overshot or undershot jaw, wall eye or uneven eyes, deafness, a docked or missing tail, dewclaws, a coat unlike the described types, and albinism or any off-standard colour.