"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
Spirited, yet Obedient Nature
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. This enables her to get along with people and other animals when she is working. We can surmise the dog developed this cooperative spirit after centuries of living in close quarters on small fishing boats.
