Portuguese Water Dog

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-10 years)

   14,000 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (10+ years)

   9,800–11,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

About the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized working dog from Portugal. They are active, intelligent, and loyal, and make great family pets. Portuguese Water Dogs have a thick, wavy coat that can be black, brown, or white in color. They are easy to train and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Facts about the Portuguese Water Dog

• Exercise

  Working breeds thrive with a job — 60+ min activity plus mental tasks prevent destructive boredom.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Deeply bonded to their handler — early socialization prevents separation anxiety and over-protectiveness.

  VCA

• Health

  Large-breed puppies: keep runs short and build up gradually. Growth plates close late — often well past the first year — so avoid long, high-impact exercise until your vet confirms growth is complete.

  VCA

• Training

  Consistency is non-negotiable — the same command from every family member, every time. Mixed signals breed confusion.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Most working breeds were selectively bred for specific tasks — guarding, sledding, water rescue. Know yours.

  AKC

• Exercise

  PWDs need 60+ min daily — ideally including water activity. They were bred to dive + retrieve fishing nets.

  AKC

• Health

  Breed-specific: Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy + GM1 Gangliosidosis. DNA-tests available — ask breeder.

  Portuguese Water Dog Club of America

• Behavior

  Smart, eager, social. Famously hypoallergenic non-shedding coat — why the Obamas chose one for the White House.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Almost extinct by 1930s. A Portuguese businessman saved the breed — genetic diversity is still recovering today.

  AKC history

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Portuguese Water Dog need?

A Portuguese Water Dog needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

How big does a Portuguese Water Dog get?

Adult Portuguese Water Dogs typically weigh 22–30 kg and stand 43–58 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Portuguese Water Dogs live?

A Portuguese Water Dog usually lives 10–14 years.