Spirited yet obedient, the PWD possess an active, zestful, happy disposition. She is stoic and, like all highly intelligent animals, in tune with her environment. The PWD is a sociable canine. She gets along with people and other animals even when she is working. This cooperative spirit likely developed after centuries of living in close quarters on small fishing boats.
Temperament of the PWD
"The Portuguese Water Dog is an animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave and very resistant to fatigue. He is a dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, who obeys his master with facility and apparent pleasure...
The Portuguese Water Dog was a fisherman's helpmate. Along with a sound structure for his job, he had to have spirit and be of a willing disposition." Kathryn Braund, The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog, Second Edition
Porties are fabulous retrievers both on land and in the water. They would retrieve all day long if you asked them to.
