Portuguese Water Dog
Working Group · Purebred · The spirited sea-dog who won America's heart
35–60 lbsWeight
17–23 inHeight
11–13 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Working Group · Purebred · The spirited sea-dog who won America's heart
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Portuguese Water Dog — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) was bred by Portuguese fishermen to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost gear from the ocean, and carry messages between ships. Their waterproof, non-shedding coat, webbed feet, and powerful swimming ability made them invaluable working companions at sea. Today they are spirited, affectionate family dogs who retain their love of water and play.
PWDs are athletic, intelligent, and eager to please — an ideal combination for an active family. They do require significant exercise and mental stimulation. Their coat is hypoallergenic-friendly, making them popular for allergy-sensitive families. They rose to global fame when President and Mrs. Obama chose them as White House pets, naming their dogs Bo and Sunny.
Real Portuguese Water Dogs — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for being loyal, powerful, and alert. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Training is generally a pleasure with Portuguese Water Dogs — they are responsive, motivated, and pick up commands quickly. They are typically gentle and patient with children, making them a reliable family companion.
Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate activity they can become restless, vocal, or destructive. They are happiest with owners who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly or wavy coat that grows continuously and does not shed the way most breeds do. Without regular grooming, the coat will mat and tangle — professional trims every 6–8 weeks are essential, along with daily or every-other-day brushing at home.
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly responsive to training and genuinely enjoy learning. Their combination of intelligence and eagerness to please makes them a joy to work with — they pick up new commands quickly and retain them well.
Keep training sessions varied and engaging to prevent boredom. Portuguese Water Dogs can handle advanced training — agility, nose work, therapy work, or competitive obedience are all excellent options for channeling their intelligence.
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy for their size, though regular screening helps catch issues early. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Portuguese Water Dog is ideal for active families or individuals who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to daily vigorous exercise. Their trainability makes them approachable for first-time owners who are prepared for an engaged lifestyle. Not the right fit for sedentary households or those with very limited time for exercise.
Portuguese Water Dogs need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a large-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Large-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Portuguese Water Dog's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Portuguese Water Dog costs between $150–$300 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 8–12 year lifespan, a Portuguese Water Dog typically costs between $15,000–$28,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Portuguese Water Dogs have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Portuguese Water Dog crosses.
PWD × Poodle. Double hypoallergenic, exceptionally intelligent.
PWD × Labrador. Friendly, athletic, water-loving family dog.
PWD × Cocker Spaniel. Soft, affectionate, curly-coated sweetheart.
PWD × Golden Retriever. Gentle, joyful, allergy-friendlier golden.
Portuguese Water Dogs are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.