Portuguese Water Dog
POR-chuh-geez WAW-tur DAWG
Biddable, Brave, Spirited, Loyal. Originally bred for assisting fishermen; herding fish, retrieving tackle, swimming messages between boats.
An adult Portuguese Water Dog weighs 42-60 lbs (male) or 35-50 lbs (female), needs 780-1,670 calories daily, and lives 11-13 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Portuguese Water Dog needs 780 to 1,670 calories per day. An average male (51 lbs / 23.1 kg) needs around 1,260 kcal; a female (42 lbs / 19.3 kg) roughly 1,090 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Portuguese Water Dog. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Portuguese Water Dog benefits from a relatively diverse gene pool compared to many purebreds, but some breed-specific conditions still require vigilance. Responsible breeders test for GM1 storage disease (a fatal neurological condition) and progressive retinal atrophy; both can be prevented through genetic screening before breeding. Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.
Exercise and activity
These dogs were literally bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen; jumping into the Atlantic to retrieve nets, herd fish into traps, and carry messages between boats. That tireless aquatic drive is still there. Plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, and if you can include swimming, all the better. They're naturals in water and will happily swim for extended periods. On land, hiking, running, and retrieving games satisfy their drive. Without enough exercise, Porties become restless and inventive in ways you won't enjoy.
Care and traits
Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly or wavy, thick, non-shedding coat that grows continuously; like human hair, it doesn't shed seasonally but does require regular clipping every 6-8 weeks. Origin: Portugal (Algarve coast). Their coat was historically clipped in a "lion cut" (rear half shaved) to reduce drag while swimming while keeping the chest warm in cold Atlantic waters. Today most pet owners opt for a uniform "retriever clip" instead. Despite being marketed as hypoallergenic, no dog is truly allergen-free; Porties produce less dander than shedding breeds, which helps many allergy sufferers but isn't a guarantee.
Made famous by Bo and Sunny Obama at the White House. Their non-shedding coat requires regular professional grooming. Relatively small gene pool; responsible breeders test for GM1 storage disease and cardiac issues.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
The Portuguese Water Dog responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for Portuguese Water Dog owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 780 to 1,670 calories daily depending on size and activity. A 50-pound male typically needs about 1,230 kcal; a 42-pound female roughly 1,080 kcal. Porties who swim regularly burn through calories faster than land-based exercise alone would predict; water work is one of the most energy-intensive activities a dog can do. Adjust upward if your dog is in regular swim training.
Males: 42-60 lbs (19.1-27.2 kg). Females: 35-50 lbs (15.9-22.7 kg). Porties should look solid and muscular, not bulky or soft. Their curly coat can mask weight changes, so rely on the rib test: gentle fingertip pressure should let you feel each rib individually. They're a medium-sized breed that looks larger than their weight suggests thanks to their dense, waterproof coat.
Hip dysplasia is the primary health concern vets flag for Portuguese Water Dogs. Reputable breeders screen for it. Beyond that, progressive retinal atrophy (leading to blindness), hip dysplasia, and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy are the conditions to watch for. Regular vet checkups with breed-specific awareness go a long way.
Count on 30 to 60 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Portuguese Water Dog balanced. At minimum 60 minutes of vigorous activity daily, but Porties bred from working lines may need more. They excel at dock diving, water retrieval, agility, and obedience trials. If you don't have water access, long hikes and running work too, but a Portie with a pool or lake access is a happier Portie. These are not low-energy apartment dogs despite their medium size.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026