Portuguese Water Dog

No breed is fully free of allergens, but Porties shed very little because they have a single coat that grows continuously. Many people with mild allergies find them easier than shedding breeds. Allergens also come from saliva and skin, so reactions vary from dog to dog. Spend time with adult dogs from the breeder before committing, and keep up regular bathing and grooming to reduce allergens at home.

The lion clip is the traditional style: hindquarters, the base of the tail and the muzzle are shaved short while the front of the body and the tail tip stay long. It is said to have kept the working dog's chest warm while freeing the back legs for swimming. The retriever clip is an even trim of about 2.5 cm all over, easier to keep and preferred by many pet owners.

Most enjoy water, but it is not guaranteed. Some puppies are cautious at first and need slow, positive introductions in calm shallow water, ideally alongside a confident adult dog. Never throw a dog into deep water. Once a Portie gains confidence, swimming often becomes its favorite activity. A dog life jacket is a good idea while learning or in strong currents.

Curly coats form tight, compact cylindrical curls with a slightly duller look, while wavy coats fall in loose waves with more shine. Both are single coats and both shed little. Curly coats can mat a little more easily and hold shape well in a clip, while wavy coats look sleeker. Coat type is genetic, and both types can appear in one litter.

It was widely reported that the family wanted a low-shedding dog because one of the daughters had allergies. Bo arrived in 2009 and Sunny joined in 2013. The publicity boosted interest in the breed, but a Portie is a demanding, energetic working dog, so it suits families with time for daily exercise, training and grooming rather than those simply following a famous example.