Living with a Portuguese Water Dog: What to Expect

This is an active dog. The Portuguese Water Dog needs 1-2 hours of exercise daily - brisk walks, fetch or a jog - or the spare energy turns into barking and chewed furniture.

This coat is a commitment: near-daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. Budget both the time and the salon money.

Shedding is minimal - your black clothes are mostly safe.

Plan on $2,000-$3,500 upfront for the puppy, then roughly $1,200-$2,000 every year for food, vet care, grooming and supplies. Year one usually adds one-off costs on top: crate, leash, training classes, spay/neuter.

Around the house, the Portuguese Water Dog is best described as:

Is Portuguese Water Dog right for you?

Take our 10-question quiz to find your top 5 breed matches.