How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Cost? (2024 Updated)

Portuguese Water Dogs gained popularity ever since being raised in the White House by a former US president. Hence, it is no surprise that many people are curious about how much this breed costs.

Before you rush out and buy the first Portuguese Water Dog you come across, take a moment to consider the various aspects of owning this dog, especially in terms of its maintenance expense and pricing.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview and breakdown of the costs and factors to consider in owning a Portuguese Water Dog. We’ve got you covered, from the puppy cost to the first-time expenses!

How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Puppy Cost?

The cost of a standard-quality Portuguese Water Dog puppy coming from a legitimate breeder ranges between $2,500 and $3,500. Meanwhile, a show-quality Portuguese Water Dog puppy is priced from $4,000 to $6,000.

The Portuguese Water Dog (the Portie or PWD) belongs to the more expensive purebred dogs you can own, especially with its hypoallergenic feature. Although relatively known, Porties are still considered a rare breed.

Portuguese Water Dogs are priced differently depending on their pedigree. Top breed lines and superior quality Portuguese Water Dog puppies are sold at a much higher price.

The price of a Portuguese Water Dog also depends on its coat color. For Porties, black, shades of brown, and particolored PWDs are common and cost much less.

On the other hand, white-colored Porties are harder to find and are priced slightly higher.

You can watch this video to learn more about the different coat colors of Portuguese Water Dogs:

Despite the hefty price tag attached to your Portie, there are still a lot of ways to reduce your expenses. Read along to find ways to keep your pooch happy on a tight budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Portuguese Water Dog From a Shelter?

Some people prefer to adopt a dog rather than buy one from a breeder. Adopting a Portuguese Water Dog typically costs between $200 and $700.

Although still quite expensive, there’s still a significant price cut compared to getting one from a breeder.

You can find Porties for adoption from rescues and shelters. When deciding to adopt a Portuguese Water Dog, it would be better to manage your expectations and be flexible regarding the conditions of your pooch.

First-Time Expenses of Portuguese Water Dog Ownership

Now that you have a general idea of the cost of having a Portuguese Water Dog, let’s talk about the maintenance involved in caring for your Portie.

Understanding the upfront costs of owning a dog, especially a Portuguese Water Dog, is crucial to preventing unexpected problems once your Portie is ready to be brought home.

We’ve got you covered with a list of everything you’ll need for your new Portuguese Water Dog puppy. We’ve also included a table at the end of this section to serve as a reference.

The following are some of the most important items to consider when purchasing a Portuguese Water Dog puppy:

• Food and Treats: When bringing your Portuguese Water Dog puppy home, their food intake is not as much as when they get bigger over time. Nevertheless, be ready to stock a bag of dry kibble and dog treats for your Portie puppy, which costs around $70 to $110.
• Bowls: Ensuring that the bowls your Portuguese Water Dog uses are the right size makes feeding hassle-free. With a budget of $10 to $30, you can already have decent and reliable water and food bowls.
• Toys: Having a Portie at home means playtime is just around the corner, so be sure to buy durable toys that won’t break easily, especially when chewed or bitten. Toys of good quality cost $$30 to $60.
• Beds: Being able to relax and sleep comfortably is essential for Portuguese Water Dogs, especially considering their likelihood of developing hip dysplasia. Budget anywhere between $40 and $200 for this.
• Collars and Leashes: Play-dates in the park and walking around the neighborhood are essential when owning this athletic and active dog. So make sure to set aside $15 to $50 for it.
• Crates and Carriers: Having a crate is immensely helpful for the safe and comfortable transport of your Portuguese Water Dog. Allocate $50 to $70 for a sturdy crate to train and transport your Portie.
• Grooming Essentials: Keep your Portuguese Water Dog’s coat tidy and untangled at home with simple grooming supplies. Dog shampoo, conditioner, hair brush, nail clippers, and other items can be purchased with a budget of $50 to $160.
• Initial Vet Visits: Being on top of your Portuguese Water Dog’s health means frequent vet visits during your Portie’s formative years. Set aside $100 to $500 for your pup’s initial and follow-up vet visits.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: During your trips to the vet, don’t forget to have your Porties vaccinated. Updated vaccine shots serve as added protection from the most common and deadly canine diseases. Save $50 to $200 for vaccine shots.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medication: Puppies are sensitive to parasite infestation, especially in their first few months. Your duty as the owner is to protect them from these infectious and deadly diseases. The costs of anti-parasitic medications range between $40 and $300.
• Neuter or Spaying: If you’ve decided not to breed your Portie, you can have them neutered or spayed. Many organizations argue that there are behavioral and health advantages to having your dog spayed or neutered. However, the procedure cost could range from $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: Using a microchip device is one method of keeping relevant data about the dog and its owner. Particularly when it comes to dealing with lost dogs, microchips are very helpful. Microchip prices range from $40 to $60.
• Dog License: Most states require dog owners to get a dog license. Applying for a license means your dog is vaccinated. It also serves as your Portie’s added identification. Reserve an amount of $10 to $20 for your Portie’s license.
• Other essentials: Not listed here, but still necessary when keeping a dog at home, are poop bags and scoopers, carpet cleaners, pee pads, and odor neutralizers. Prepare around $20 to $50 for these items.

As previously stated, the following is an overview of the goods and price range of the early expenses of owning a Portuguese Water Dog puppy:

Although the initial cost might seem expensive, keep in mind that many of the things listed above are only one-time purchases. It is worth paying a premium for high-quality products that will last a lifetime.

It is also a good idea to constantly stay in touch and exchange updates with breeders in case they have specials or puppy packages that include freebies like food, vitamins, bowls, toys, and occasionally, even a bed or crate.

Annual Cost of Owning a Portuguese Water Dog

A Portuguese Water Dog requires a long-term commitment. Porties have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years and are generally healthy. Regarding financial projections, it’s a good idea to think long-term.

As your Portuguese Water Dog grows and matures, their needs will change and possibly increase. Yet, the cost of keeping your pet happy and healthy is ultimately rewarded.

Take a look at this summary of the yearly and monthly budgetary estimates for keeping a Portuguese Water Dog:

A spending range of $1,875 to $4,450 per year, or $156 to $370 per month, is required to care for your Portuguese Water Dog. This estimate can be used as a reference, but actual costs will vary based on your preferences.

The next large expense after food is pet insurance, which can cost between $500 and $900. Most fur parents don’t prioritize pet insurance, but some benefit from decreased medical costs, particularly if you adopt an older dog.

The second major expense on the list is routine veterinary care, which can cost between $200 and $600 and is considered essential to keeping your pet in top shape.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

After you have taken care of the basic needs of your Portuguese Water Dog, you may still encounter some costs. Preparing for these additional expenses will help alleviate some unexpected financial stress.

It is easier to feel more at ease knowing that you have some parachute funds in case you need to cover unforeseen costs related to owning a Portuguese Water Dog.

Although not required, the following potential expenses are still significant when keeping a Portuguese Water Dog:

• Grooming Services: Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their thick wavy coat. Keeping their coats clean and untangled is important to avoid infections. Set aside a budget of $40 to $80.
• Training: Training and instilling discipline in your Portuguese Water Dogs is crucial. It makes life easier for you and your Portie. It also gives them greater self-confidence. You may spend $50 to $500 hiring a professional dog trainer for obedience or housebreaking lessons.
• Emergency Medical Treatment: You should set aside an emergency budget for treatment and procedures for accidents or emergencies, especially if you don’t have pet insurance. Prepare an emergency fund between $1,000 and $5,000.
• Pet Fees: Some landlords may impose fees or limits if you rent an apartment. Fees may include pet rent, fees, or deposits. One-time pet deposits and fees can range from $100 to $500, while pet rent can range from $10 to $50 monthly.
• Dog Daycare or Dog Hotel: Traveling is a regular source of concern for busy fur parents. Nowadays, you may travel or go on a vacation without worrying about your Portuguese Water Dog. Experts may care for and keep your Portie safe for roughly $30 to $50 daily.
• Dog Walkers: Sometimes, you only need someone to walk or watch your dog for a few hours. Hiring a dog walker is the best alternative; they charge between $15 and $30 per hour. Your Portuguese Water Dog will be entertained and get their much-needed daily stroll.

The services mentioned above are mostly discretionary. Nevertheless, allocating a budget for these extra expenditures can help you feel more financially secure when the need arises.

Best Places to Find Portuguese Water Dog Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Searching for the ideal breeder who will provide you with a healthy Portuguese Water Dog puppy can be exciting and exhausting. Doing your research will help you avoid being scammed by puppy mills.

In this section, we listed some reputable Portuguese Water Dog breeders that will serve as a guide and starting point in your search to find the perfect fur baby:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – Breeders that are registered with the AKC went through a series of accreditations to be included in this Marketplace. On this platform, you can easily find Portuguese Water Dog puppies from breeders that pass AKC’s qualifications.
• Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) – This organization was founded in 1972 and is the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC) ‘s official parent club for Portuguese Water Dogs in the United States. The members included in their breeders list mostly follow the health recommendations of the PWDCA.
• Caladesi Portuguese Water Dogs, FL – This breeder prides itself on producing Portuguese Water Dog Champions. They ensure the health of their Porties through thorough testing and compliance with best breeding practices. They are also a member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, and their owner is an AKC Breeder of Merit recipient.

On the other hand, if you think adopting a Portuguese Water Dog is what you’d like, continue reading as we list down some of the best rescue organizations and shelters to check out:

• Portuguese Water Dog Club of Northern California (PWDCNC) – Founded in 1992, this rescue is working to encourage, promote, protect, and advance the Portuguese Water Dog breed. They are committed to following and taking to heart the breed’s standard as approved by the AKC. You must fill out an adoption form for review and approval to adopt.
• Portuguese Water Dog Club of America Rescue (PWDCA Rescue) – This club’s vocation is to evaluate and place Porties that were abandoned, given up, and lost. They have foster and adoption programs where you can apply and undergo the screening and application process.
• Southern California Portuguese Water Dog Club (SCPWDC) – Over the last few years, they have been consistent in rehoming and rescuing Portuguese Water Dogs. Their members and supporters are also passionate about visiting shelters and looking for Portuguese Water Dogs that need to be rescued.

If your heart is set on adopting a Portuguese Water Dog, read this guide to adopting a dog to familiarize yourself with the adoption process.

Money-Saving Tips for Portuguese Water Dog Owners

With the excitement of bringing your Portuguese Water Dog home, you are now faced with the challenge of raising your new family member. Having a plan to keep your spending to a minimum will be helpful later on.

Fortunately, with a little resourcefulness, there are a lot of ways that you can cut your spending without sacrificing quality.

We gathered some practical ways to reduce your expenditures in owning a Portuguese Water Dog:

• Invest in quality products. Buying cheaper products may get the job done, but you will spend twice the amount once it breaks after using it a few times. Spending money on a product that will last for a long time is worth it.
• Groom your Portuguese Water Dog at home. Portuguese Water Dogs have thick and curly coats that must be groomed regularly. Try to learn basic grooming tricks to save yourself a trip to the dog salon.
• Preparing homemade treats and dog food. Learning how to make treats and dog food can greatly help if you are on a tight budget. Make a batch of treats for your Portie and save that extra dollar.
• Train your dog yourself. Training your dog not only serves as a good bonding activity between you and your forever furbaby, but it also saves you a lot of money hiring a dog trainer. Teaching your Portie a few tricks yourself will both make you and your pooch confident.

With my experience taking care of dogs, one of the ways by which I save a lot of money is through canvassing before I buy supplies for my dogs. As I research the best source of supplies, I am reminded that the most convenient source sometimes is not the best offer.

What I usually do is buy items in bulk to get a good deal, and I even get freebies and discounts, especially with repeat purchases.

There are many practical ways to keep your expenses low while owning a Portuguese Water Dog. All it takes is a bit of resourcefulness and creativity and using the things you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Rare Is a Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is a relatively uncommon breed. The reason for its scarcity is due to its near extinction in the 1930s. Fortunately, it was re-established by a wealthy shipping mogul.

Despite the re-establishment of the breed, the gene pool of the Portuguese Water Dog remains small.

Furthermore, only a few dedicated breeders can afford the pricey tests and screenings required to prevent inbreeding and produce healthier puppies.

Is Portuguese Water Dog High Maintenance?

Generally, Portuguese Water Dogs are high maintenance. The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog that needs frequent runs, walks, and proper training. Like poodles, Porties’ coat needs to be groomed regularly.

Why Are Portuguese Water Dogs Expensive?

Only a few breeders produce this breed, leading to its rarity. The scarcity of this dog is one of the primary reasons it is expensive.

In addition, certain health screenings and tests are required in breeding healthy Portuguese Water Dogs.

These medical and genetic tests are needed to avoid the dangers of inbreeding, considering the small gene pool of the breed. These breeding expenses are factored in when pricing Portie puppies.

Final Thoughts

The prospect of owning a Portuguese Water Dog puppy is exciting but costly. Due to its novelty, the costs of medical screening charges, and upkeep, you should be prepared to have a budget for it.

One thing to make sure of when getting a Portuguese Water Dog puppy is to find a reliable and reputable breeder. This will assure you that you are taking home a healthy pup and give you your money’s worth.

If you like to keep your expenses low, you should prioritize spending on quality food, health, veterinary visits, grooming, and training. These are the essential things that will keep your Portie strong and lively.

Do you think you are ready to own one of these amazing dogs? Let us know what you think of the Portuguese Water Dog’s cost in the comments below!