You didn’t land on the Portuguese water dog by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Athletic water dog with a low-shedding coat, spirited and intelligent, and historically a working partner, not just a companion, they’re a natural fit for active families, dog sports enthusiasts, and owners who want an athletic, low-shedding companion who want a lively, intelligent, and athletic companion who thrives with active owners and brings genuine energy to daily life. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a Portuguese water dog?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a Portuguese water dog? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 4 out of 5 | Highly intelligent and eager to work with their handler. Porties learn quickly and enjoy the training process |
| Obedience | 4 out of 5 | Reliable when training is consistent. They respond well to engaged, positive handling |
| Focus | 4 out of 5 | Good focus during training. Their working heritage means they take direction seriously |
| Stubbornness | 2 out of 5 | Not particularly stubborn. Their desire to work and please makes them cooperative |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 5 out of 5 | Devoted to their family and emotionally engaged with the people around them |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | Playful and gentle with children. Their enthusiasm calls for supervision with very small kids |
| Good with strangers | 4 out of 5 | Friendly with new people when well socialized |
| Good with other dogs | 4 out of 5 | Good with other dogs |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 3 out of 5 | Manageable in a larger apartment or small home with adequate daily exercise |
| Cold weather | 4 out of 5 | Their coat handles cool weather and water well |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat |
| Routine flexibility | 4 out of 5 | Adapts well to varied routines when exercise needs are met |
| First time owner | 4 out of 5 | A good option for committed first-time owners who are active |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 4 out of 5 | High energy. They were built to work in and around boats all day |
| Endurance | 4 out of 5 | Good endurance, particularly in water |
| Exercise needs | 4 out of 5 | Needs at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Swimming is ideal |
| Mental stimulation | 4 out of 5 | Intelligent and engaged. Mental challenges keep them happy |
| Grooming needs | 4 out of 5 | Low-shedding coat that requires regular professional grooming |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 4 out of 5 | Playful and enthusiastic throughout their life |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | Affectionate and physically close. They want to be near their people |
| Loyalty | 4 out of 5 | Loyal and devoted |
| Independence | 2 out of 5 | Low independence. Extended alone time leads to anxiety |
| Alertness | 4 out of 5 | Alert and curious |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 3 out of 5 | Can be vocal when under-stimulated or excited |
| Digging tendency | 2 out of 5 | Low digging tendency |
| Chewing tendency | 3 out of 5 | Moderate chewing tendency, particularly in adolescence |
| Prey drive | 3 out of 5 | Moderate prey drive. Their retrieving heritage shows up around water and birds |
| Guarding instincts | 2 out of 5 | Alert and friendly rather than protective |
What are common health issues of a Portuguese water dog?
Like all breeds, Portuguese water dogs are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint develops abnormally, causing pain and arthritis over time. Portuguese Water Dogs are at moderate risk, with stiffness after rest and reluctance to jump as early signs.
Read more about Hip DysplasiaAddison's Disease
A hormonal condition where the adrenal glands underperform. Portuguese Water Dogs are at elevated risk. Signs can be vague, including lethargy, vomiting, and low energy episodes.
Read more about Addison's DiseaseEpilepsy
A neurological condition causing recurring seizures, seen in Portuguese Water Dogs with some frequency. It often has a genetic component and is managed with daily medication.
Read more about EpilepsyAllergies
Portuguese Water Dogs can react to food, pollen, and environmental triggers. Itching, skin irritation, and recurring ear infections are common signs worth discussing with your vet.
Read more about AllergiesDilated Cardiomyopathy
A condition where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges, reducing its ability to pump blood. It is seen in Portuguese Water Dogs and can progress silently before symptoms appear.
Read more about Dilated CardiomyopathyWhat are the recommended health tests for Portuguese water dogs?
Your Portuguese water dog can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
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OFA hip and elbow evaluation -
CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
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DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
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DNA test for juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
Do Portuguese water dogs need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Portuguese water dog owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Portuguese water dog owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Portie specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
Portuguese water dogs are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Porties age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Portuguese water dog owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $50-$55 |
| 2 years old | $55-$60 |
| 3 years old | $50-$55 |
| 4 years old | $55-$60 |
| 5 years old | $65-$70 |
| 6 years old | $70-$75 |
| 7 years old | $80-$85 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Portie?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Portuguese water dog and your budget.
History of the Portuguese water dog
The Portuguese Water Dog was developed along the coast of Portugal, where fishermen relied on the breed as a working partner. Porties were trained to herd fish into nets, retrieve broken fishing gear from the water, and swim messages between boats. Their waterproof coat, powerful swimming ability, and intelligence made them indispensable to Portuguese fishing crews. As technology replaced their working role in the 20th century, the breed nearly disappeared. Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese dog enthusiast, gathered the remaining dogs in the 1930s and began a revival program. The breed was brought to the United States in the 1970s, and the AKC recognized the Portuguese Water Dog in 1983. The breed gained international attention when the Obama family chose a Portie named Bo as their White House dog in 2009.
Caring for a Portuguese water dog
Training
Training a Portuguese water dog is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are intelligent, athletic, and eager to work with their handler, which means they pick up commands quickly and thrive with regular mental and physical challenges. Positive reinforcement with treats and play, combined with consistent structure and early obedience work tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
Portuguese water dogs have a wavy or curly single coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week to prevent tangles and matting, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks helps manage coat length and keeps the breed looking neat.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Portie looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Portuguese water dogs have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Swimming, fetch, and agility training are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Portuguese water dogs are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, destructive, and prone to hyperactive indoor behavior. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Portuguese water dog will actually love.
Nutrition
Portuguese water dogs are medium dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 900 to 1,200 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $65 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a Portuguese water dog here.
Portuguese water dog costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a Portuguese water dog?
Before your Portuguese water dog even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $1,500-$3,500 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$600 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $200-$400 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $150-$300 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a Portuguese water dog each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Portuguese water dog owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $500-$900 | Based on the recommended portion for your Portuguese water dog |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $400-$800 | Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Low-shedding coat still requires significant professional grooming to prevent matting. |
| Toys and Supplies | $200-$400 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular Portuguese water dog names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Portuguese water dog we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
Portuguese water dog puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
Portuguese water dog puppies are lively, intelligent, and deeply connected to the active, water-loving lifestyle they were bred for. That an athletic capability and low-shedding coat that make them outstanding companions for active households is part of what makes them a spirited, capable water dog for active families who can match their energy and commit to the grooming, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Portuguese water dog brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are Portuguese water dog’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Portuguese water dogs are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. California
Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.
2. New York
In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.
3. New Jersey
New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.
4. Illinois
Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.
5. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a Portuguese water dog? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
Standard Poodle
Both are athletic, low-shedding, water-loving dogs. Standard Poodles are more versatile and easier to train. Portuguese Water Dogs are more compact and easier to manage overall.
Read more
Poodle
Both are athletic, low-shedding, water-loving dogs. Poodles are more versatile and easier to train. Portuguese Water Dogs are more compact and better suited to active water lovers.
Read more
Lagotto Romagnolo
Both are athletic, low-shedding, water-loving working dogs. Lagottos are rarer and better known for truffle hunting. Portuguese Water Dogs are more widely known as family companions.
Read more
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Both are athletic, low-shedding, and family-friendly. Wheaten Terriers are more independent and terrier-driven. Portuguese Water Dogs are more trainable and better for water activities.
Read more
Goldendoodle
Both are friendly, low-shedding, and active. Goldendoodles vary more in size and temperament. Portuguese Water Dogs are more consistent, more compact, and better suited to water work.
Read moreIs a Portuguese water dog right for you?
Portuguese water dogs reward the right owner with a genuine athletic capability and swimming ability that makes water activities more fun and a low-shedding coat and strong trainability that make them one of the more versatile sporting companions. They just need vigorous daily exercise, regular professional grooming, social engagement, and an active owner lifestyle in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Portuguese water dog. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.