Portuguese Water Dog
Playful, outgoing and athletic
Porties 101
Working groupThe Portuguese Water Dog, a versatile and athletic breed, was once so rare that when the Obama family welcomed one, then two of them into the White House, most of the country said, "A Portuguese what?" More dog lovers now enjoy the company of this bright and bouncy breed today, attracted to their outgoing nature and reputation for being more easily tolerated by allergy sufferers.
What we love about Porties
A go-anywhere, do-anything dog
Energy level
Energy level: 100% (Very high)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 17 to 23 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.
- Energy level
- Very high (100%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 17 to 23 inches
- Lifespan
- 11 to 13 years
- Weight
- 35 to 60 lbs
The Portuguese Water Dog stands 17 to 23 inches tall and weighs 35 to 60 lbs. Portuguese Water Dogs have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. They are known for a very high (100%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Portuguese Water Dogs get?
- Portuguese Water Dogs stand 17 to 23 inches tall and typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
- How long do Portuguese Water Dogs live?
- The average lifespan of a Portuguese Water Dog is 11 to 13 years.
- Are Portuguese Water Dogs good for first-time dog owners?
- Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Portuguese Water Dogs bark a lot?
- Portuguese Water Dogs are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Portuguese Water Dog health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Mid-life Portuguese Water Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Above Average Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Above Average Risk
- Ear hematoma
- Above Average Risk
40% on risk scaleSenior Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Senior Portuguese Water Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Cushings disease pose very high risk.
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
Portie puppy
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Portuguese Water Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection pose very high risk.
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
As Portuguese Water Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Mid-life Portuguese Water Dogs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Above Average Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Above Average Risk
- Ear hematoma
- Above Average Risk
Senior Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Senior Portuguese Water Dogs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Cushings disease pose very high risk.
- Splenic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Lymphatic cancer
- Very High Risk
- Cushings disease
- Very High Risk
Portie puppy
Risk level for common Portie conditions
Portuguese Water Dog puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion and Ear infection pose very high risk.
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Very High Risk
Young adult Portie
Risk level for common Portie conditions
As Portuguese Water Dogs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Toxicity and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Portuguese Water Dog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 9 months)
- Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk
- Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
- Toxicity: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Above Average Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Above Average Risk, Ear hematoma: Above Average Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk
The San Francisco Giants once enjoyed the services of the Baseball Aquatic Retrieval Korps (BARK) to retrieve baseballs hit into McCovey Cove behind their bayfront ballpark. Portuguese Water Dogs were a natural fit for the job!
Portuguese Water Dog coat care and colors
Portuguese Water Dogs have a high-maintenance coat that can be either wavy or curly. While show dogs are kept in a clip not unlike the show Poodle, pet Porties are more easily maintained in a shorter cut.
Should I cut my Portuguese Water Dog's hair?
Should I cut my Portuguese Water Dog's hair?
How often should I groom my Portuguese Water Dog?
How often should I groom my Portuguese Water Dog?
What is the difference between wavy and curly Portuguese Water Dog coats?
What is the difference between wavy and curly Portuguese Water Dog coats?
Portie exercise & training
Portie fun facts
Top girl names for Porties
of Porties are female
of Porties are male
Top boy names for Porties
Nationwide loves Portuguese Water Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Portuguese Water Dogs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Portuguese Water Dog statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Porties
Best. Portuguese Water Dog insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free