Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Portuguese Water Dog is an energetic, affectionate, intelligent working dog that loves water and wants to be with its people. The low-shedding curly or wavy coat is a big draw, but it needs regular brushing and clipping, and the breed needs at least an hour of exercise every day. Here is what the AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Portuguese Water Dog temperament and personality
The AKC describes Portuguese Water Dogs as energetic, athletic and affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. VCA calls the breed intelligent, assertive and protective of its family, neither aggressive nor timid, and notes it can be territorial and may bark at anything out of place.
The AKC says the breed once worked alongside fishermen, herding fish into nets, retrieving gear and carrying messages between boats and shore. That cooperative history shows in a dog that wants a job and a partner. VCA says it is not well suited to being left alone for long periods.
How big do Portuguese Water Dogs get?
VCA gives males 20 to 23 inches and 42 to 60 pounds, and females 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds, matching the AKC breed standard. The AKC describes the breed as ruggedly built and muscular.
A fit Portie is solid and athletic rather than heavy. The coat can hide extra weight, so feel for the ribs regularly and ask your vet to help match food to your dog's activity level.
Portuguese Water Dog lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 14 years and names hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy and spinal cord problems as health concerns.
Ask a breeder for hip evaluations and eye exams on both parents and which DNA tests they run for inherited eye and other conditions. Ask your vet about bloat risk and preventive options. A swollen belly with unproductive retching is an emergency.
Regular checkups help catch eye and joint problems early.
Exercise needs
VCA rates energy as very high and recommends at least an hour of exercise a day, especially before training. The AKC says the breed needs plenty of daily exercise and excels at obedience, agility, rally and dock diving.
Swimming is the obvious favorite, and a dog life jacket is worth a look for open-water days. Retrieving from water, long walks, hiking and dog sports all suit the breed. Rinse chlorine or salt from the coat after a swim and dry the ears thoroughly.
Grooming, shedding and allergies
The AKC says Porties shed minimally and are often considered a good option for allergy sufferers, and VCA says the coat hardly sheds. Both also make clear the limit: no breed is allergen-free, because dander and saliva still carry allergens. Spend time with the breed before deciding.
VCA recommends brushing and combing at least twice a week, periodic trims and considering a professional groomer. The AKC says owners usually choose the lion cut, clipped through the middle, hindquarters and muzzle, or the retriever clip, about one inch all over. Trim nails and clean ears regularly.
Training a Portuguese Water Dog
VCA says the breed learns quickly and responds poorly to harsh methods, that early socialization helps obedience, and that its playfulness can distract it, so sessions should be firm and focused. The AKC calls Porties intelligent and eager to please.
Give the dog exercise before a session, then keep training short and rewarding. Teach a quiet cue early, since VCA notes the breed may bark at anything it sees as out of place, and practice calm greetings.
Are Portuguese Water Dogs good with kids and other pets?
VCA says the breed takes good care of the children in its family and is fine with older children. Its energy and size mean supervision around toddlers.
VCA notes Porties may bark at other dogs they see as out of place, so early socialization with other dogs helps. Many live happily with other pets they are raised with. Introduce new animals slowly.
Give the dog a quiet place to rest.
What a Portuguese Water Dog needs at home
A fenced yard, a crate, a washable bed and access to safe water for swimming suit the breed. Retrieving toys, a long line, puzzle feeders and dog sports keep body and brain busy.
For the coat, keep a slicker brush, a metal comb, clippers or a groomer on call, ear cleaner, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about bloat risk and an exercise plan for a growing puppy.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Are Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic?
No breed is allergen-free. The AKC says Porties shed minimally and are often considered a good option for allergy sufferers, but dander and saliva still carry allergens, so meet the breed first.
How long do Portuguese Water Dogs live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Hip and eye screening of the parents and knowing the signs of bloat are important for this medium-large working breed.
How big do Portuguese Water Dogs get?
VCA lists males at 20 to 23 inches and 42 to 60 pounds, and females at 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds, in line with the AKC standard.
What is a Portuguese Water Dog's temperament like?
The AKC describes Porties as energetic, athletic, affectionate and eager to please. VCA notes they are protective of family and can be territorial, barking at anything out of place.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
