I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails lately – literally thousands of e-mails -  asking me about the many different types of dog breeds available that would best suit a family; a good dog for apartment living; breeds that are better outdoor pets or indoor pets; which breeds are easy to train, well you get my drift, so I thought it a good idea to put out a series of articles pertaining to the different types of dog breeds available with their history and descriptions to their personalities and temperment.

And since all this interest in the different types of dog breeds is due to President Obamas’ family obtaining a Portuguese Water Dog, I thought it a great breed to jump start my series of articles.

I love ALL animals, but especially dogs, and I know that the right selection for the right persons is key to a happy and healthy relationship with their pets, and I hope the knowledge I can impart on you readers through these series of articles will help anyone who’s thinking about adopting a dog and choose the right one.

Anyone whose ever owned a dog will tell you that you can’t beat “mans’ best friend” for companionship, he or she will never let you down and when trained in the usual social graces will be a blessing to the entire household.

When you’ve seriously decided to embark upon the most joyful journey of owning a dog, and know all the  kinds of responsibilities (financial, training, etc.) that are involved and that you are capable of handling, and KNOW you are up to the challenges, you are ready to choose the type of breed best suited for you.

Say, you love the outdoors and liked to hike mountains and would love a walking companion that could keep up with you, getting a Westphalian Basset Hound or chihuahua would not be a very good choice (legs are too short), this would hamper your hikes and could exhaust the dog which is very bad for their health.

Personally, I’d get a Yogoslavian Tricolor Hound or Smooth-Muzzled Pyrenees Sheepdog, they are great companion dogs that love the outdoors and can walk for hours if needed however, if you live in an apartment with limited space small dogs are the way to go, so you see it’s very important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle.

Now for the Portuguese Water dog: Origins are unknown but first discovered living on the boats of Portuguese fishermen hundreds of years ago.

This dog is a very lively, pugnacious,impetuous, pleasing, good company, physically hardy and very affectionate breed.  They are very protective of children, water loving and because of no undercoat less likely to cause allergies with persons who have that particular problem. They are very adaptable in all kinds of circumstances.

They are avid swimmers and can be taught to catch in their mouths and bring back fish escaping from the fishing nets. They are also useful at catching ropes and other objects thrown overboard. But because they spend so much time in the water, they may become prematurely deaf.

The Portuguese water dog is a very muscular, medium sized dog. Height is usually between 20 and 22 inches for males weighing anywhere from 42 to 55 pounds and 17 to 20 inches tall for females weighing about 35 to 50 pounds.

It has a proportioned head with a muzzle narrowing toward the end and strong jaws with very well developed canines. The eyes are slightly oblique, chestnut or black. The ears are heart shaped and close to the head.

The colors will vary from black, white, chestnut, and the mixtures thereof. Its coat it thick and strong, either wavy or curly, and to reiterate no undercoat.

I’m really glad the  United States First Family chose this breed of dog to own and care for, I believe it a good match for their entire family. I’m also glad they took their time at the choosing of their first dog and life long companion.

by Jasmine Beaupre, author