Portuguese Water Dog
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Find Portuguese Water Dog BreedersGet to Know Portuguese Water Dogs
- US Presidents Love Them: The breed got a major spotlight when President Barack Obama brought one to the White House—Bo, and later Sunny. It was chosen for being hypoallergenic and great with kids.
- They Have Webbed Feet: Yep, real-deal doggy flippers! Their webbed toes make them powerful swimmers, perfectly designed for working in water alongside fishermen.
- They Don’t Shed Much: Portuguese Water Dogs have hair instead of fur, which means minimal shedding. This makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers—but it also means high grooming needs!
- They're Born with a Job Mentality: These dogs thrive when they have a task—whether it’s agility training, swimming, fetching, or even just helping carry things. They’re happiest when they’re working.
- They Almost Went Extinct: By the 1930s, the breed was nearly gone. But a wealthy shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude made it his mission to revive and preserve the Portuguese Water Dog, and the breed owes its comeback to his efforts.
Breed History
The Portuguese Water Dog has a rich history rooted along the coast of Portugal, where it was bred to assist fishermen at sea. These versatile dogs were known for their exceptional swimming ability, diving skills, and intelligence, often tasked with retrieving lost gear, herding fish into nets, and delivering messages between boats. Their waterproof coats and webbed feet made them perfect working companions in the Atlantic waters. Though modern technology reduced their role in the fishing industry, the breed was preserved by enthusiasts in the 20th century and has since become a beloved family companion known for its loyalty, energy, and trainability.
Portuguese Water Dog Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Portuguese Water Dog Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Portuguese Water Dog is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Water Dog
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Portuguese Water Dog puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Portuguese Water Dog, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Portuguese Water Dog is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
