Overall the Portuguese Water Dog’s general appearance should be of robust, medium build that allows a full day’s work in and out of the water. PWDs should be spirited but have an obedient nature.

Males should be 20 to 23 inches (22 is ideal) at the withers, and 42 to 60 pounds. Females are to be 17 to 21 inches (19 is ideal), and 35 to 50 pounds in weight. Traditional PWDs varied in size and weight considerably due to the size of the fishing vessel their masters had (larger vessels could accommodate larger dogs). Hence the size of some PWDs vary considerably. What is generally most important is the ratio of its vertical to horizontal dimensions – as long as that is kept within balance, it is more important than staying within weight limitations (both would be preferable, but balance is still the more accepted quality).

Overall, there are 12 particular important characteristics that distinguish PWDs:

1. Rectangular, off-square
   
2. Substantial strong head, square jaw
   
3. Short, muscular neck, held high
   
4. Straight, firm back
   
5. Strong, wide, short loin
   

6. Good muscling
   
7. Strong driving rear, not exaggerated
   
8. Single wavy or curly coat
   
9. Retriever attitude
   
10. Looks directly at a person
    
11. Strength
    
12. Stoic, zestful yet sensitive; an extremely intelligent animal.
    

Portuguese Water Dogs are traditionally black, brown, white, or combinations of black or brown predominant with white, and white predominant with black. Their gait is in short, lively steps while walking, and well-balanced forward striding when in a trot.

As a good portion of the PWD information in this site has been formed from Kathryn Braund’s book, “The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog”, it is only fitting to paraphrase her words on the PWD, “The PWD is spirited yet obedient, robust, and of unexaggerated, functional conformation; it is sure, substantially boned and muscled, and able to do a full day’s work in and out of the water.”

With all its wonderful qualities, including temperament and personality, it is certainly a beautiful dog whether at work or at play.