The Diverse Appearances of Portuguese Water Dogs

The Spectrum of Coat Types

Portuguese Water Dogs (PWDs) are celebrated for their adaptability, not just in their skill set but also in their physical appearance. While some may confuse them with Poodles in the show ring, aficionados know that PWDs possess a distinct charm rooted in their working-class heritage.

Wavy vs. Curly Coats

PWDs come with two officially recognized coat types: the traditional wavy coat and the curly coat. The wavy coat is often seen as the hallmark of the breed, while the curly coat is kept shorter and is equally accepted. Unlike Poodles, where coat grooming is a significant aspect of their show presentation, the PWD's coat is only a minor consideration, accounting for 5% of its show ring evaluation, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard.

Natural Presentation

The natural presentation of the coat is paramount for PWDs. Coats can range from tight curls to almost straight, but artificially straightened hair via blow-drying is frowned upon. The coat should be shown in its natural state, whether wavy or curly.

Coat Texture and Sheen

An interesting observation among PWDs is the variation in coat texture and sheen. A curly coat typically lacks the shine of a wavy coat. This difference can help determine the dog's coat type, especially in cases where the coat appears mixed in texture during the dog's early years.

Coat Colors and Markings

PWDs boast a palette of acceptable coat colors, including all-black, black and white, brown, brown and white, and all-white. Dogs with white markings often exhibit the "Irish Markings" pattern, a genetic trait shared with other breeds like Boxers.

Ticking and Parti-Colors

In the United States, some PWDs display ticking—a pattern of small, isolated areas of color on a white background. Although rare, parti-colored PWDs, which have a coat with two or more colors, can also be seen in dog shows, despite being less common in other parts of the world.

The Fading Gene

A notable genetic trait among brown PWDs is the fading gene. Puppies may be born with a deep brown hue that lightens to a softer brown shade by their second year. This fading can also affect black offspring when brown dogs are bred with black ones, sometimes misleadingly marketed as a "silver" color by breeders. Additionally, brown PWDs may carry a gene for lighter eyes, which can be passed on to their black-coated progeny, resulting in a yellowish eye tint.

Breeding Considerations

Breeders must be mindful of these genetic nuances, especially when pairing brown and black PWDs, to maintain the integrity of the breed's appearance and health. The AKC provides guidelines for breeding practices to help preserve the breed's standard.

In conclusion, the Portuguese Water Dog is a breed rich in diversity, with a range of coat types, colors, and genetic traits that contribute to its unique appearance. While their looks can vary widely, their working dog roots remain at the heart of their appeal. For more information on the breed standard and guidelines, visit the American Kennel Club's official page on Portuguese Water Dogs.