Snap out of it! Our Portuguese water dog reality check
So it’s a pretty good bet that more people will want to make the Obamas’ new pet their new family pet after all the hoopla and news coverage over Bo. You look at that cute black puffball in the rainbow lei and think, “I want one!” But hold up, wait a minute. What looks cute, awesome and placid in picture form, is actually a really energetic breed (although still cute and awesome).
So we asked an expert to give us a Portuguese water dog reality check, to talk us down from making any hasty decisions. Diane Keppen, a veteran Annapolis breeder of Portuguese Water Dogs, happily agreed to help us out.
“Many of my friends who are breeders are very concerned about the fact that this wonderful breed will go the way of the Dalmatian,” she says. “Like all the wonderful breeds that become popular, some people think ‘look at that cute little dog on TV’ … and don’t realize that this dog likes to greet you with a body slam.”
Keppen says that last part jokingly, but there is some truth to the quip.
“They are a working breed, very athletic, very high energy,” she says. “They need to work, and they need to have something to do, or they will find some thing to do, which may not be what you had in mind.”
Keppen does not currently have any dogs available to adopt (we know you were wondering), but here is some of her tough love advice to prospective PWD owners:
- Portuguese water dogs don’t come cheap: It’s a relatively rare breed and you pay for that rarity. They can cost more than $2,000. Why? The dogs were on the verge of extinction in the 1930s when a wealthy shipping magnate worked to re-establish the breed. But the gene pool is still limited. Many breeders conduct costly medical tests and procedures to prevent inbreeding and ensure healthy puppies. A dedicated community of breeders, low numbers and the recent perception that the dogs are hypoallergenic keep them in demand and out of shelters.
- A huge time commitment: Keppen doesn’t recommend Porties for young families with children under seven years old or professionals with busy work schedules. Basically both recommendations boil down to a lack of time. The dogs, especially when they’re puppies, require constant attention. “If you leave them in the house, and you go all day long you’re going to be sorry,” Keppen says. “Because they need something to do. It could be the arm on the couch. It could be the door.” She says even mature well-trained Portuguese water dogs should only be left alone for about six hours max.
- They’re called working dogs. They work, but you will too: Keppen says you don’t necessarily need a large amount of property -- waterfront or otherwise -- to own a water dog. But you must be willing to allow the dogs to exercise. Frequently walks or runs are a must. Keppen once placed a dog with a dentist who lived in an apartment, but he was a jogger and was willing to run with the dog often. “They don’t need to be exercised 24/7, but they do need to be able to get out and play … just like any big breed would need.”
- Keeping it clean: Like Poodles, Portuguese water dogs have beautiful coats but that beauty needs constant upkeep. Keppen says the dogs should be groomed every four to five weeks. The dogs love the water (hence the name) and where there is water there is usually mud. And that means frequent baths.
- More than just potty training: During our conversation, Keppen really stressed the importance of training. “You can’t love problems away,” she says. “You can’t say, ‘You know if I hug him he’s gonna be a good dog.’ No. He needs training.” Porties are bright dogs, but that intelligence needs to be focused. “You constantly have to let them know that you’re the one in charge. If you’re not in charge, they’re gonna be in charge,” she says. The training doesn’t have to be professional, but it if you do it yourself, you have to put in the time. And she says training shouldn’t only be for puppies. Just like a person, dogs need to learn different things at different ages.
(Above: Photo of some Diane Keppen's dogs courtesy of Diane Keppen)
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Comments
Rarity is not an element of a puppy's price (unless you are working with a greedy irresponsible puppymill/backyard breeder). Quality bred puppies command those prices (regardless of the specific breed) because of all the work that goes into producing a quality litter. Think about the expenses associated with showing and titling the parents, veterinary testing to be sure of the parents quality and suitability to be bred. Many if not most of these costs are incurred on 'speculation' and the truly responsible breeder will pull a dog from a breeding program if they don't measure up.
Please drop the 'rare' monikor. It's the kind of terminology used by puppymills seeking to sell 'rare parti-poodles' (which are actually the result of undesirable breedings - read the breed standard) and 'rare' White Boxers and other undesirable breedings that they can then market as extraordinary.
Posted by: Julie Hensley | April 14, 2009 12:10 PM
I just want to say that I was so hoping that I had heard wrong about the choice of dog for the White House.
I have wanted a PWD for years, but I know better. Everyone I have ever met with one (or two!) was a runner or serious walker, and exercised their dogs 10 mi. or more A DAY.
I hope the breeders up their screening criteria for new owners after this.
Posted by: Jacquie | April 14, 2009 12:55 PM
What Jacquie just said is ridiculous. You don't need to run 10miles/day to adequately care for these dogs. Where do people get this stuff from? First of all, anybody running 10 miles/day has a serious mental/emotional problem that needs treatment before their body seriously breaks down. Second, these dogs merely need lots of space and attention. Like the author of the blog said, even someone in an apartment can have one, but it's much more difficult. The Obama's have a sizable back yard. Two daughters of the perfect age who are energetic and rambunctious. This was a great choice. Bravo.
Posted by: Moe | April 14, 2009 7:15 PM
This sounds as if the Obamas got exactly the wrong dog unless the poor grandmother who lives with them is going to be out jogging with the dog in addition to caring for the kids. Poor puppy. Poor grandmother.
I hope to God it doesn't chew on any of the irreplaceable national treasures in the White House.
Posted by: Uh oh | April 15, 2009 12:55 AM
Wow. I am really happy for the Obamas. I believe their pick for this breed was the right family choice. I am one who loves to jump on the bandwagon with ones I know has already done their research. I too am looking for a dog that's friendly, beautiful, not too big and sheds very little. However I really don't believe I'll be on that little bandwagon afterall because of this breeds' history. I am a stay at home mom with 4 children in school. I live on about 1/2 acre land in a large beautiful development and I love to walk in my neighborhood for at least 45 mins a day, however I already know this breed will tear my house to shreds. Why because we are churchgoers. We attend bible study on Wednesdays for 2 hrs and on Sundays we attend Sunday school and Sunday service afterwhich follows fellowship with the saints. That means dog at home on Sundays for at least 6hrs alone. No way. It will be kibble and bits from top to bottom. It's no wonder poor little "Bo" went through 3 homes already. I almost made the same mistake without counting up the costs. I will have to continue my research, However I am really glad the Obamas found such a beautiful dog for their family.
Posted by: Lightbug | April 15, 2009 1:46 AM
Seriously, Uh Oh, are you not aware that the White House has a "dog walker" other than the first family. The grandmother walking the dog.... AS IF! And National Treasures being chewed up - do you honestly believe they will not keep an eye on that dog at all times? It's not just the First Family in the White House, you know... There ARE other people - Totally blown out of proportion!
Posted by: Mia | April 15, 2009 9:40 AM
I am happy if that is the choice of the Obama's. But I wonder if it was a good choice, because the parents have full schedules and the girls are a little petite for this huge dog. They are beautiful and energetic, and I hope it all works out, I just wished they had gotten a smaller dog "for the girls".
Posted by: Andrea Clark | April 15, 2009 9:51 AM
PWD: a great dog for an outdoorsman; not a very well thought out choice for two little girls. But then I would never take Ted Kennedy's word on anything!!
Posted by: Tucker Kile | April 15, 2009 12:43 PM
You're right about there being a lot of work involved, but the same goes with most pets. They're worth it though.
Posted by: Todd Sikten | April 16, 2009 12:11 AM
I acquired my first PWD two months ago (current age 4 months). She is the light of our lives and is blending well with our other animals. I am newly retired which allows for training, attending classes, and play. PWD's are very smart little dogs and will plow you over if given the opportunity.
I believe the Obama's made a good choice. The dog is the perfect size not to small and not to big. This gives the girls and the dog a chance to grow up together. The girls will not stay little forever.
My only concern is that PWD's will become the dog everyone things they want or should have. But they are busy dogs and yes if you don't keep them busy they will find something to do that you will not like. Just remember that it is not their fault and they should not be punished for doing what unsupervised dogs do! They like any other dog wants your attention and they need to know they can count on you. To prospective owners don't purchase one to have the latest dog fad, purchase a dog for the love of the breed and one that best fits your life style. Breeders please be selective when reviewing applications.
Posted by: CAA | April 18, 2009 1:10 AM
I acquired my first PWD two months ago (current age 4 months). She is the light of our lives and is blending well with our other animals. I am newly retired which allows for training, attending classes, and play. PWD's are very smart little dogs and will plow you over if given the opportunity.
I believe the Obama's made a good choice. The dog is the perfect size not to small and not to big. This gives the girls and the dog a chance to grow up together. The girls will not stay little forever.
My only concern is that PWD's will become the dog everyone things they want or should have. But they are busy dogs and yes if you don't keep them busy they will find something to do that you will not like. Just remember that it is not their fault and they should not be punished for doing what unsupervised dogs do! They like any other dog wants your attention and they need to know they can count on you. To prospective owners don't purchase one to have the latest dog fad, purchase a dog for the love of the breed and one that best fits your life style. Breeders please be selective when reviewing applications.
Posted by: CAA | April 18, 2009 10:56 AM