Portuguese Water dogs, also referred to as Porties or PWD are a medium-sized working dog. They are native to Portugal and originally worked alongside the Portuguese fisherman herding fish and retrieving nets.  They are prized for their strength, spirit and aptitude for swimming and diving. PWD is a high energy dog who can be quite sensitive, very curious, highly intuitive and fiercely loyal. PWD are widely considered one of the five hypoallergic dogs breeds and are sought out by many families who have members who are sensitive to dogs because they have asthma, allergies and hypersensitive skin reactions. And while many people who cannot tolerate most dogs can thrive with Portuguese water dogs, it is important to note that no breed of dog is scientifically proven to be absolutely hypoallergenic.