The Portuguese water dog, or vasserhund, is a very interesting, but rather rare breed for our country. If you see such a pet for a walk, you can take him for a poodle. However, the owners of the "Portuguese" claim that the similarity is minimal, and their favorites are the best in the world!
Dog breeders are proud of the excellent characteristics of these animals, among which we can note the quick wit, high intellectual level, extravagant appearance.
Dogs often become participants and winners of various exhibitions and shows.
Origin
The vasserhund breed originates in Portugal in ancient times. However, evidence-based evidence of this fact has not survived. One of the theories says that representatives of the breed were brought by the Persians in the 6th century BC. But the formation of the appearance and basic characteristics, according to scientists, was completed in the Middle Ages.
After that, the "Portuguese" firmly settled on the coast. Their original function was to help the local people in fishing, with which the dogs coped perfectly. They could drive fish online, transmit messages from land to vessels in the catch zone and back. Accordingly, it required endurance and high performance, these qualities are preserved in the representatives of the breed in our time.
With the advent of the 20th century, industry and agriculture began to develop actively in Portugal. This could not but have an impact on the breed, which was no longer in demand and almost found itself on the verge of extinction. However, the problem was taken by the dog expert Vasco Bensuade. By the middle of the 20th century, Portuguese water dogs were sent to the British Isles, but the plan failed.
The breed was revived already in the 90s, when it was entered into the register of the American Kennel Club. After that, she was interested in other countries of the world, and now the puppies are quite in demand and have a decent price.
Breed description
According to breed standards, Portuguese water dogs are of medium size. The growth of males is 50-57 centimeters, bitches slightly less - from 43 to 52 centimeters. Weight of individuals from 19 to 25 and from 16 to 22 kilograms, respectively.
As for the physique, it can be different. The effect is provided by the diet of animals and their lifestyle. The best option is considered if pets have the conditions for active development and regular swimming. This allows you to develop muscles, form the backbone and tighten the body.
The head of the "Portuguese" is wide and tapers towards the nose. The eyes are large, round, of a brown or darker shade; they do not have light areas.
The body resembles a square, as its length almost corresponds to the height of the animal.
Girls have a more elongated body. The neck is strong and muscular. Neat tail can twist into a half ring.
The peculiarity of the Portuguese water dog is her wool. She is very thick and thick, without undercoat. The hair on the chest, forepaws and groin is softer. In appearance, representatives of the breed are divided into 2 types. In the first case, they have curly hair, in the second - a falling wavy. Any other option is considered marriage.
There are also several types of color in these animals. Wasserhund can have pure black wool or white with brown spots.There are also individuals with black or brown fur interspersed with white hairs. It is acceptable when the dog is pure white, however she should not be an albino.
Character
Those who decided to start a Portuguese water dog in the house note its excellent characteristics and say that it is difficult to find another such affectionate, hardy and active pet. And this is justified, because initially the breed was focused on helping people in various activities. It left its mark on the character. Dogs can quickly adapt to any situation, are very obedient and strictly follow the orders of the owner.
In addition to stamina, breeders note qualities such as mental equilibrium, observation and endless patience. Dogs have a great flair, it’s not a problem for them to find the right thing even over a large area. Moreover, intelligence and intelligence help to monitor the situation, assess it and, if necessary, make a decision on how to intervene.
Dog breeders believe that Portuguese water dog development is not inferior to such breeds as the German or Scottish shepherd. However, this does not always play in favor of the owners.
A pet needs to be engaged and give it maximum attention, in the absence of this condition, the animal will start to get bored, and the lack of upbringing will manifest itself in that it will be stubborn, spoil things and mess with all available means.
Despite the fact that the representatives of this breed are very independent, this does not prevent them from being exclusively devoted to their masters. Only on education depends whether the pet is obedient. He is very attached to all members of the family in which he lives, he has a benevolent attitude to guests at home, he is happy to contact them. He can indulge, but not from evil, but because of his obstinate disposition, and tries not to upset the owner.
However, with all of the above, vaserhund is a serious breed. When raising should follow some recommendations. The ideal option would be if the pet will take the position of this member of the family, among which most often chooses one owner. Such animals are very sociable, usually keeping them together with other pets does not cause problems. "Portuguese" will be an excellent companion for children, will be anxious to treat older people.
In addition, these little dogs are able to cheer up one of their kind and irrepressible energy.
Experts advise getting them to people prone to frequent mood swings and depression. In European countries, dogs of this breed have proven to be excellent companions, they often work with them in psychological centers. The dog is able to calm the patients and set them up in a positive way.
What to feed?
It's no secret that a dog's diet directly affects its health and appearance. In the case of the Portuguese water dogs, the owner must first decide on the type of food. It can be both natural products and dry food.
In the second case, you should monitor the quality - food should be at least premium. This allows the pet's body to provide the necessary amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Additional complexes in this case are not needed.
As for natural nutrition, it is not worse at all, however, the preparation of the ration completely falls on the shoulders of the owner. The dog should receive proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the required amount. In such a situation, vitamin and mineral supplements do not interfere. Their number and composition should determine the vet.
It is no secret that the representatives of this breed are very active. Their lifestyle involves a lot of energy. Protein food will help to fill this gap. If the animal is kept in outdoor conditions, In winter, he needs to pay special attention, including increasing the size of portions of food.
How to care?
In general, Portuguese water dogs are not very picky about care. The best option is considered if the dog will be kept in a private house so that he can walk on the fenced territory on his own. At the same time walking with the owner twice a day should be required. When living in a city apartment with a pet you will need to walk for a longer time. Most babies can be taught to meet their needs on a specially prepared diaper.
Since the wool can be quite long, you will need to take care of it, but this does not cause any particular difficulties. The store sells special brushes for combing curly pets, which is very convenient to use. If the procedure is carried out regularly, the dog will look well-groomed and clean, and the risk of the appearance of tangles will also disappear.
It should be noted that the Portuguese water dog is different. lack of peculiar smell. Frequent water procedures are not required for representatives of this breed, since the wool has the ability to repel moisture and dirt independently. therefore bathing is enough to hold about 1 time in half a year.
In winter, snow can stick to wool in clumps, which creates additional problems. To avoid this, it is recommended to purchase a special overalls for walking.
The very name of the breed suggests that Its representatives adore water. This means that they will try to plunge into all available water bodies.
If we are talking about hot weather, after bathing the dog needs to get wet towel. In addition, fresh water is dangerous parasites living in it, so you will need to carry out preventive and therapeutic procedures.
Owners of vaserkhundov need to pay close attention to the eyes of their pets. Wool around them need to wipe every day. At the same time, the ears of the dog should be cleaned with a special preparation that can be replaced with a moistened cotton pad. It is necessary to monitor both the teeth, and when a plaque appears, brush it off.
The owner should monitor the timely vaccination of his pet. The insecticidal collar will help you from parasites that pester the dog in the summer; it can save you from many troubles and serious diseases carried by blood-sucking insects.
Training
Representatives of this breed are very curious. They are actively interested in the outside world and have the ability to learn. Dog breeders recommend starting education and training at a tender age. The opinion that the little ones cannot understand the commands and carry them out is wrong. Already in 2 months they understand what is required of them. Respectively, Early socialization will allow the puppy to become accustomed to the norms of behavior in society.
Walking in crowded places is necessary. You will need to visit noisy places with a large number of people so that the pet will get used to non-standard conditions. Do not interfere and communicate with dogs of other breeds.
For a serious workout is better to turn to a professional canine.
However, this is not a prerequisite. Tightly this issue should be taken care of when the puppy reaches 6 months of age. It is necessary to pay attention not only to certain skills, but also to the development of instincts.
About the features of the breed, see the next video.
