
The Portuguese Water Dog is super-smart and very biddable—meaning he’s easy to train and eager to please. The breed can be groomed in two styles: The retriever clip (the entire coat is clipped to one inch in length, with the tail tip at full length) or the more check-me-out lion clip, where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped down to the skin. The bright and biddable Portuguese Water Dog was bred to be an all-around fisherman’s helper. The robust, medium-sized body is covered by a coat of tight, low-shedding curls. They are eager and athletic companions built for water work.
Life Span
11–13 years
Weight
7.2–12.3 kg
Height
109.7–148.4 cm
Exercise
moderate
Grooming
moderate
Shedding
moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Apartment
Friendly
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.
We may earn a commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
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
First-Year Puppy Care: Month-by-Month Guide
The first year of your puppy's life is the most critical for development, training, and bonding....
Complete Yorkshire Terrier Care Guide
Seven pounds of pure attitude struts across the living room floor, silky coat swinging, head held...
Considering a cat instead?
Browse Cats Breeds