Grooming requirements
    A Portuguese Water Dog can require a great deal of brushing. This breed can be shaved to a length that is appropriate to your time allowance for brushing. It's best to always have these dogs groomed by a professional groomer every two-three months to keep the coat at an appropriate length.

Health considerations
    This breed is prone to hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, cataracts and other eye problems, and hemophilia.

Breed characteristics and personality
    The Portuguese Water Dog is highly intelligent and untiring.

Uses:
    This dog was and is used by Portuguese fisherman as a herding dog. It herds the fish into nets, retrieves tackle that has fallen overboard, carries messages between boats, and gathers any fish that fall out of the nets on board the ship. In the drier regions of the world, this dog is a companion and sportsman.

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