Introduction
The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed of dog, originating from the coast of Portugal. This breed of dog is great in water and was initially used to aid fisherman, and they are excellent swimmers. In 1297, a monk wrote of a dying sailor who was rescued by a black coated dog with rough hair and he was referring to the Portuguese Water Dog. If you are bringing a Portuguese Water Dog into your home and need to choose a name, this guide is perfect for you. Choosing the right name is so important, because our pets often become our family and we need them to have a fitting name that will suit them forever. Read on for name inspiration!
Portuguese Water Dog Names in Pop Culture
The Portuguese Water Dog was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983. Although their ancestry can be traced back for centuries, they were almost extinct in the 20th Century. Vasco Bensaude, a shipping magnate from Portugal, actually began a breeding program and saved the breed. The American Kennel Club states that this breed is affectionate, adventurous and athletic, and ranks them 51st most popular breed in America. This is quite popular, and these canines, who are thought to be a relative of the Poodle, became even more popular when Portuguese Water Dog, Bo, found himself living in the White House with the Obama’s.
The name Bo is Slavic, meaning living. Bo was born in 2008, and he was a gift to the Obama family, given to them by US Senator, Ted Kennedy. This breed is said to be hypoallergenic which suits the Obama family due to their daughter’s allergies. In 2013, Bo was joined by a female companion of the same breed, named Sunny.
As the ‘First Dog’, Bo has been in the spotlight on several occasions. Senator Kennedy himself owns three of his own Portuguese Water Dogs: Sunny, Cappy and Splash. He has also authored a children’s book named My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington, DC. Sources suggest that this is written from the viewpoint of his companion, Splash.
The Portuguese Water Dog is also said to be a grade A student; they train really easily as they are eager to please. This breed is versatile and is known to be very active on both land and water. They fall into the working group of dogs, and their webbed feet means that they are excellent at swimming. Portuguese Water Dog, Girella, works as a model and has often been photographed with musicians. You can buy a soft, plush, handmade Girella as a stuffed animal on the Big Furry Friends website.
This breed is sometimes referred to as Cao de Agua in Portugal, which roughly means dog of the water and that is because this breed helped fisherman who worked fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. Today, this breed makes an excellent pet as they are independent, friendly and family orientated. They are great with children, but remember, they need to be kept busy both physically and mentally, so plenty of agility, play and walks should keep your canine fit and healthy.
Portuguese Water Dog Name Considerations
When considering a name for your new Portuguese Water Dog, you should choose carefully. Write down a list of names that you feel drawn to. You can go back to your list later to see which one you prefer. There are considerations you can make when choosing a name for your pooch, for example, you could choose a name inspired by its Portuguese heritage. For example you might be inspired by Vasco Bensaude and name your pooch Vasco.
You might feel inspired by the Obama dogs and name your pooch Sunny or Bo. Maybe Ted Kennedy’s companions Splash and Cappy have your attention, or perhaps it's Girelle, the Portuguese Water Dog model. Ocean inspired names are also a possibility with this pooch, as they are water dogs. Names like Pearl, Nemo, Sailor or Skipper could be a suitable choice. Color is also another option to consider as the Portuguese Water Dog is often seen in black, white and brown. Names like Jett, Rusty and Cloud are great names inspired by color. You could also be inspired by the Portuguese Water Dog’s wavy coat and choose names like Shaggy, Curly or Frizzy. For more name inspiration, check out the lists below.
Male Portuguese Water Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Bo
From Slavic origin meaning living; inspired by Bo of the Obama family
|
|
| 2 |
Triton
A demi-god and son of Neptune
|
|
| 1 |
Ocean
Because your pooch loves to swim in the ocean
|
|
| 1 |
Pilot
Of American origin, meaning ship operator
|
|
| 1 |
Tackle
Inspired by fishing tackle and the Portuguese Water Dog's link to fishing
|
|
| 1 |
Tide
The rising and falling of ocean or sea waters
|
|
| 1 |
Vasco
Inspired by Vasco Bensaude who saved the Portuguese Water Dog from extinction
|
|
| 1 |
Jett
Inspired by the color black; Jet Black is an English drummer
|
|
| 1 |
Rusty
Another name inspired by color; a brownish red color
|
|
| 1 |
Smoky
Color inspiration for the grey or black colored pooch
|
|
| 1 |
Scout
For the resourceful and independent pooch
|
|
| 0 |
Curly
Just like your Portuguese Water Dog's coat
|
|
| 0 |
Shadow
This name can be inspired by color
|
|
| 0 |
Rocky
For the pup that loves the rocky beach
|
|
| 0 |
Scuba
For the pooch who loves swimming
|
|
| 0 |
Hook
A fishing inspired name
|
|
| 0 |
Guppy
A small South American fish
|
|
| 0 |
Cappy
Inspired by Senator Ted Kennedy's Portuguese Water Dog
|
|
| 0 |
Oyster
A mollusk usually found in the sea
|
|
| 0 |
Paddle
Great for the canine who glides through the water easily
|
|
| 0 |
Flash
For the fast pup who is quick as a flash
|
|
| 0 |
Port
A place for ships so that they are secure from the storms
|
|
| -1 |
Aquarius
Latin meaning water bearer
|
|
| -1 |
Bay
A small body of water set off a larger body
|
|
| -1 |
Cloud
Because your pooch is a fluffy cloud
|
|
| -1 |
Nemo
Like our favourite and brave clown fish
|
|
| -1 |
Poseidon
Inspired by the Greek sea god
|
|
| -1 |
Rio
The Spanish name for river
|
|
| -1 |
Skipper
A skipper is a ship captain or master
|
|
| -1 |
Splash
Inspired by Senator Kennedy's Portuguese Water Dog
|
Female Portuguese Water Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Misty
Covered in mist or dew
|
|
| 1 |
Ariel
Inspired by Disney's Little Mermaid
|
|
| 1 |
Fiji
Inspired by the Fiji islands
|
|
| 1 |
Pearl
After the beautiful gem found in the sea
|
|
| 1 |
Rain
Because your Portuguese Water Dog loves water
|
|
| 1 |
Gracie
Means grace from God
|
|
| 1 |
Mizu
A Japanese word meaning water
|
|
| 1 |
Lake
A body of water surrounded by land
|
|
| 0 |
Coral
Inspired by the coral reef
|
|
| 0 |
Evian
Inspired by the famous bottled water
|
|
| 0 |
Portia
A name of latin origin meaning Roman clan name
|
|
| 0 |
Praia
Capital of Portuguese Cidade de Praia and Cape Verde
|
|
| 0 |
River
The name for a body of flowing water leading to the sea or ocean
|
|
| 0 |
Sailor
Of American origin meaning boat person
|
|
| 0 |
Stormy
Ideal for the boisterous pooch who loves exercise
|
|
| 0 |
Wave
Inspired by the ocean waves
|
|
| 0 |
Sunny
Inspired by the Obama's Portuguese Water Dog
|
|
| 0 |
Cleo
Of Greek origin meaning to acclaim
|
|
| 0 |
Venus
Your lovable pooch should be named after the goddess of love
|
|
| 0 |
Zara
Of English origin meaning princess
|
|
| 0 |
Titanic
Inspired by the famous ship
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|
| 0 |
Atlantic
Inspired by the Atlantic Ocean
|
|
| 0 |
Shell
For the dog who loves the coast and beach
|
|
| 0 |
Girelle
Inspired by the Portuguese Water Dog who works as a model
|
|
| 0 |
Ginger
Inspired by the reddish brown spice
|
|
| 0 |
Precious
Because your pooch is your precious companion
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|
| 0 |
Butterfly
For the dog who likes to swim; butterfly swimming stroke
|
|
| 0 |
Dory
Inspired by the forgetful fish from Finding Nemo
|
|
| 0 |
Reef
A range of rocks lying at the water's surface
|
|
| -1 |
Netty
Inspired by fishing nets as the Portuguese Water Dog aided fishermen
|
Community Dog's With Portuguese Water Dog Names
My youngest sister came up with the name, simply because she liked it.
Daisy,Penny
Looked it up online