The portuguese water dog (PWD) is the now-trendy pet. Since First lady Michelle Obama has told considering getting a PWD on People Magazine, and presence “Bo Ohama” in White House.

The PWDs are non-allergenic, so that it’s no problem for Obama’s daughter who has allergies.

The breed from Portugal came to the U.S. 30 years ago. In 1998, the breed rank 82nd in popularity, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. Ten years later, they were rank 62nd.

These breeds can assist fisherman in the water. They actually have a herding instinct and are able to herd fish into nets. They can dive for things that have gone underwater. They are incredibly intelligent, and highly energetic. They are working dog and they need to work. If you don’t keep them busy, they will be busy and do something you don’t want them to do.They need interaction. They need to be challenged. For someone to get this dog because it’s popular and cute, then after the puppines wears off to just put it in a crate and leave it is not a good thing.They don’t do well in a kennel environment or left alone for long periods of time.The PWDs are usualy not great for first time dog owners, it takes experience to train them.

For the male the height is between 20 and 23 inches, for the female between 17 and 21 inches. The weight in the male is between 42 and 60 pounds, and the female beetwen 35 and 50 pounds. The dogs cost US$1,800 to $2,500 and aren’t as common as other popular breed.