The Portuguese Water Dog is a 35-to-60-pound working water dog marketed heavily as the 'hypoallergenic, low-shedding family dog' — and that marketing is exactly where buyers go wrong. The low-shedding curly coat is real, but it is not low-maintenance, and the dog under it is a high-energy, highly intelligent working breed that needs serious daily exercise and a job. People choose the PWD for the coat and discover they own an athletic, busy, smart dog that will out-think and out-stamina an under-prepared owner. This profile leads with that mismatch because it is the main reason PWDs are rehomed. Physically the PWD is robust and athletic with webbed feet and a single, non-shedding coat that is either tightly curled or wavy, in black, brown, white, or particolor. 'Low-shedding' means the hair stays in the coat rather than on the floor — which means it mats and needs constant grooming, not less grooming. Temperament is bright, biddable, affectionate, and intense. PWDs bond hard to their family, are excellent with children, highly trainable, and thrive on having work to do. The flip side: they are mouthy as youngsters, can be vocal, dislike being left alone for long stretches, and become destructive and anxious when under-exercised or under-stimulated. They are velcro dogs, not independent ones. Who the PWD is right for: an active owner or family that wants a trainable, affectionate companion for sport, swimming, hiking, and daily engagement, and who will commit to professional grooming every 6-8 weeks plus home brushing. Who it is wrong for: anyone choosing it primarily as an allergy-friendly low-effort pet, a sedentary household, or someone who is away long hours. Buy the dog, not the coat.
Life Span
11–13 years
Weight
16–27 kg
Height
43.2–57.2 cm
moderate
Exercise
moderate
Grooming
moderate
Shedding
Yes
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Friendly
Apartment
The Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água) was developed along the coast of Portugal, particularly the Algarve, as an all-purpose fisherman's working dog. For centuries it herded fish into nets, retrieved gear and broken nets from the water, carried messages between boats and from ship to shore, and guarded the catch — work that demanded a strong swimmer with webbed feet, a water-resistant coat, stamina, intelligence, and biddability. As traditional …
Portuguese Water Dog dog breed portrait
The Portuguese Water Dog belongs to the Working Group.
The average lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog is 11 to 13 years.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are valued for their affectionate, adventurous, athletic nature.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Detailed cost data for Portuguese Water Dog is not yet available. Check back soon!
PWD care is dominated by two ongoing commitments: the coat and the exercise. Neither is optional. Coat: this is the cost most owners underestimate. The non-shedding curly/wavy coat grows continuously and mats fast. Brush and comb thoroughly 3-4 times a week to the skin (a quick surface brush leaves mats forming underneath), and budget professional grooming every 6-8 weeks in either the retriever clip or lion clip — roughly $70-$120 per visit depending on region. Skip the routine and you get a painful, pelted coat that must be shaved off. Dry and check ears after every swim. Exercise: 60-90 minutes a day minimum of vigorous activity, ideally including swimming — this is a breed built to work in water all day. Pair physical exercise with training, fetch, or scent games; the PWD's intelligence needs an outlet or it redirects into chewing, barking, and counter-surfing. Walks alone do not satisfy this dog. Training: start early; the PWD is highly trainable and eager but mouthy and busy as a youngster. Short, reward-based sessions and consistent rules channel the drive productively. Socialize broadly from puppyhood. Weight: feed two measured meals and keep the dog lean; the heavy coat hides weight gain, so weigh and rib-check monthly. Decision rule: a PWD puppy from untested parents that suddenly collapses or dies between 6 weeks and 7 months may have juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy — this is why you require proof of JDCM and PRA DNA testing on both parents before purchase, not after; for a living puppy with collapse or exercise intolerance, that is a same-day cardiology referral.
Dive deeper into everything Portuguese Water Dog — costs, care, and expert insights.
How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Cost?
Purchase price, monthly costs, and lifetime expenses
Portuguese Water Dog Care Guide
## Portuguese Water Dog Care Overview This Portuguese Water Dog care guide gives owners a...
Considering a cat instead?
Browse Cats Breeds
