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.

What we love about Porties

A go-anywhere, do-anything dog

Energy level
Bark level
  • Talkative
Size
17 to 23 inches tall
Lifespan
11 to 13 years
Weight
35 to 60 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Portie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Lymphatic cancer

Ear hematoma

Senior Portie

9+ years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Splenic cancer

Lymphatic cancer

Cushings disease

Portie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Gastroenteritis

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Young adult Portie

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Toxicity

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Mature adult Portie

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Lymphatic cancer

Ear hematoma

Senior Portie

9+ years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Splenic cancer

Lymphatic cancer

Cushings disease

Portie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Gastroenteritis

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Young adult Portie

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Portie conditions

Toxicity

Foreign body ingestion

Ear infection

Portuguese Water Dog image

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

Get your Portuguese Water Dog’s health information in a free report

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

Loves walks

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!

Class star

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

Best. Portuguese Water Dog insurance. Ever.SM

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