Portuguese Water Dog
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
The Portuguese Water Dog is believed to have come from Portuguese where the dogs were known as avid water dogs. They helped fisherman by navigating the fish into their nets, help with gear in the water and even deliver messages.
Portuguese Water Dog
A descendant of the poodle, that was also bred to be a water retrieving pup, the Portuguese Water Dog (also known as the Cao de Agua), traveled with fisherman from the Portugal coast to even Newfoundland.
This breed disappeared in the 20th century when fishing became more modernized than in the earlier days. But, a serious Portuguese water dog lover named Vasco Bensuade wanted to re-establish the breed. And that’s exactly what he did!
A few decades later, the Porties were found in England and later the United States.
Today, the Portuguese Water Dog has become a popular breed due to his loving personality and enthusiasm.
The Portie became even more renowned when Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, served as the First Family Dog during the Obama Administration.
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Portuguese Water Dog Breed Characteristics
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized dogs with males standing at 20 to 24 inches and weigh anywhere from 42 to 60 pounds.
Female Porties are approximately 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 35 to 55 pounds.
The Portuguese Water Dog has two different types of coats that are either wavy or curly. Both coats are a single coat and they don’t have an undercoat.
Due to this single coat, the Portuguese Water Dog doesn’t shed as much as other breeds and is thought to hypoallergenic. There will be shedding, but just not as much as other dogs.
Their coat can be white, different shades of brown, black or even brown or balk with white.
They tend to be recognized with two different styles:
The Lion clip: The mid-body and muzzle are short and there is a tuft at the tip of the tail, like a lion!
The Retriever clip: A fully clipped coat that covers the contour of the pups’ body and is usually about an inch in its length.
Brush your pup at least two to three times each week to keep the fur clean and to brush away the dead hair.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Portuguese Water Dog Personality
The Portuguese Water Dog has a lot of great qualities and a big personality!
This is a fun-loving, clown-like dog who has boundless energy. Always keep your eyes on this one because he can be a step ahead of you and you won’t even know it!
There are many different temperaments, like other breeds, from laid back to very stubborn and strong-willed. Most Porties, however, are in the middle and are just happy, fun dogs.
Of course, early socialization and training will help you have a well-rounded Portuguese Water Dog.
This is a dog that loves the water so keep your eye on your Portie if you go to the beach. He makes bathing easy because of his love for the water.
A Portuguese is a great fit for families and loves children. If you have toddlers, just keep an eye on the pup as he can be a bit rambunctious at times.
This high energy dog, in the best of ways, needs plenty of daily exercises. This isn’t an outdoor only dog as he loves to be with his family and not alone outside.
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Common Health Issues in Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese Water Dogs are healthy dogs, but similar to other breeds, they are prone to some common health issues.
Of course, not all Portuguese Water Dogs will develop any of these health conditions. It’s important to know what they can develop, particularly if you are buying a Portie from a breeder.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that occurs when the bone of the thigh doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint. Some dogs will be affected on both rear legs which can cause difficulty in walking. Other dogs won’t show any symptoms at all. However, as your pup ages, arthritis can occur more readily.
While hip dysplasia is hereditary, it can become more severe if a dog is very active and jumps often or is overweight. Surgery is the best treatment for recovery in serious cases.
Learn More: Why I Wish I Bought Pet Insurance When I First Got My Dog
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy is another genetic disease that can cause sudden death in puppies that are between 5 weeks and 7 months old. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure at this time and there is no way to even know if a young puppy will develop this condition.
The only way breeders can prevent the disease from reoccurring is to avoid breeding any dogs that are a carrier of the juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy gene.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye condition that can eventually lead to blindness due to the loss of the photoreceptors at the back of a dog’s eyes. The condition is detectable before a dog will show any signs of vision loss.
A dog can still live a full, happy life; however, a responsible breeder will have their dogs’ take an annual eye exam and will not breed the dog if they develop PRA.
Storage Disease (GM1)
Storage disease is a rare, recessive hereditary disorder that occurs when there is a lack of an enzyme that fights the toxic substances that normally occur in nerve cells. If both parents of a puppy have this condition, it can be fatal.
A DNA test has recently been developed that can determine if a dog is a carrier and any responsible breeder would not breed a pup that has this disease.
With any or all of these conditions, you should always get health clearance from a breeder when you are buying a puppy to make sure they do not have any serious health conditions.
In fact, most health conditions in dogs don’t appear until a dog is more than 2 or 3 years old. Most breeders will not breed their pups until they are at this age to avoid health issues.
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Should You Purchase Pet Insurance For Your Portuguese Water Dog?
If you buy or adopt a Portuguese Water Dog, there are some breed-specific health conditions that might occur with your pup that are serious and expensive to treat.
Or even if you happen to have the healthiest Portie pup, there are conditions that can occur later in life.
Pet insurance will give you the financial and emotional peace of mind that if your pup develops any disease that you can get your dog the best care and afford it!
It is not unusual for a vet bill to cost anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000 to treat and a solid pet insurance provider will pay anywhere from 80% to 90% of the cost.
And that it can be a life-saver if something were to occur to your Portie.
The best, most well –rounded pet insurance plans are comprehensive which means that your dog will be covered for virtually every accident or illness that might occur.
Be wary of the accident only policies that cover only accidents and not any illness.
Another important tip is to enroll your puppy when he is young before any pre-existing conditions might occur. This is true of even allergies. Once any or all conditions have occurred, pet insurance will not cover it.
Pet insurance companies, like Healthy Paws, Figo and Petplan all have very well-rounded comprehensive plans. They also cover hereditary and breed-specific conditions. That is very important in breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs will bring you and your family so much joy and become an integral addition to your home. And, pet insurance will help you to make sure this water-loving pup gets the proper care he needs!
If you are looking for a new pet insurance policy for your Portuguese Water Dog, our top 10 pet insurance companies can give you some tips!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Portuguese Water Dog?
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as Cao de Agua, originated in Portugal and was historically used by fishermen for various water-related tasks. They were adept at navigating fish into nets, assisting with gear in the water, and even delivering messages.
How did the Portuguese Water Dog breed re-establish itself?
The breed disappeared in the 20th century but was re-established by a devoted enthusiast named Vasco Bensuade. Today, Portuguese Water Dogs are popular for their loving personality and enthusiasm, gaining additional fame when Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, served as the First Family Dog during the Obama Administration.
What are the characteristics of Portuguese Water Dogs?
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized dogs, with males standing at 20 to 24 inches and females at 18 to 22 inches. They have two coat types—wavy or curly—and are recognized for their distinctive Lion or Retriever clips. Their coats come in various colors, and they are known for being hypoallergenic due to their single coat.
What is the personality of a Portuguese Water Dog?
Portuguese Water Dogs are fun-loving, clown-like dogs with boundless energy. They exhibit different temperaments, ranging from laid-back to stubborn. Early socialization and training are crucial, and they are known for their love of water. They are great for families, particularly those with children.
What are common health issues in Portuguese Water Dogs?
While generally healthy, Portuguese Water Dogs may be prone to conditions like Hip Dysplasia, Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Storage Disease (GM1). Regular health checks and responsible breeding practices can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Should I purchase pet insurance for my Portuguese Water Dog?
Yes, considering breed-specific health conditions and potential expensive treatments, pet insurance offers financial and emotional peace of mind. Vet bills can range from $7,000 to $20,000, and a good pet insurance plan can cover 80% to 90% of these costs. It’s advisable to enroll your puppy when young, and comprehensive plans are recommended.
What should I look for in a pet insurance plan for my Portuguese Water Dog?
Look for well-rounded, comprehensive plans that cover accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions. Avoid accident-only policies and enroll your puppy when young to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions. Some recommended pet insurance companies include Healthy Paws, Figo, and Petplan.
Is pet insurance necessary for Portuguese Water Dogs?
Yes, given the potential for breed-specific health issues and the high cost of veterinary care, pet insurance is advisable to ensure your Portuguese Water Dog receives the best possible care without financial strain.
Can pet insurance cover hereditary and breed-specific conditions?
Yes, reputable pet insurance companies often cover hereditary and breed-specific conditions. This is crucial for breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs, where specific health issues may arise.
How do I choose the right pet insurance for my Portuguese Water Dog?
Consider factors such as coverage for accidents, illnesses, and breed-specific conditions. Compare plans from different companies, read reviews, and choose a comprehensive policy that aligns with your Portuguese Water Dog’s potential healthcare needs.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.