| Height | 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Affectionate / Adventurous / Athletic [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Portugal [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 43 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires vigorous exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long daily walks and play sessions with his owner. This extremely versatile breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, dock diving, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owner. [1]
Grooming
The Portuguese Water Dog's dense, profuse coat is hypoallergenic but requires regular and extensive grooming. The coat ranges in appearance from tight and curly to loose and wavy. It may be kept in the lion clip (where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped to the skin) or the retriever clip (where the entire coat is clipped to one inch in length and follows the outline of the dog). [1]
Health issues to budget for
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their stock for health disorders and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed's unique qualities. A Portie's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, GM1 Gangliosidosis (Portuguese Water Dog) - DNA Test, Microphthalmia Syndrome (MO) - DNA Test, Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) - DNA Test, Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Portuguese Water Dog in 1983. [1]
- It ranked No. 43 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 52 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Portie, PWD.” [1]
- The AKC lists Portugal as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 7 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Portuguese Water Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-13 years.
How big does a Portuguese Water Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female) and weight 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Portuguese Water Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.