Porties 101

Working group

The 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.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Porties

A go-anywhere, do-anything dog

Energy level

100% energy level

Energy level: 100% (Very high)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

17 to 23 inches tall
Medium breed size

Size: 17 to 23 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.

Lifespan

11 to 13 years

Lifespan: 11 to 13 years average

Weight

35 to 60 lbs

Weight: 35 to 60 lbs typical range

Breed Group
Working group
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.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Portie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear hematoma

Inflammatory bowel disease

Lymphatic cancer

Senior Portie

9+ years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Cushings disease

Lymphatic cancer

Splenic cancer

Portie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Gastroenteritis

Young adult Portie

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Mature adult Portie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear hematoma

Inflammatory bowel disease

Lymphatic cancer

Senior Portie

9+ years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Cushings disease

Lymphatic cancer

Splenic cancer

Portie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Gastroenteritis

Young adult Portie

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Portuguese Water Dog image

Nationwide can help you save on your Portuguese Water Dog's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Portuguese Water Dog image

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.

Portie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Regular brisk walks and lively games are the basics for this active breed, but from a Portie's point of view, the more exercise the better. Not surprisingly, they love to swim!

Trainability

Trainability

Portuguese Water Dogs are happy workers, and they thrive with positive training and new challenges. Try dock diving or other canine sports to bring out the best in your Portie.

Portie fun facts

Top girl names for Porties

100%

of Porties are female

0%

of Porties are male

Top boy names for Porties

Nationwide loves Portuguese Water Dogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Porties

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