In the USA, the typical price for a PWD puppy ranges from $1800 to $2500.  Older puppies and adults are often less.  The cost is relatively high because the process of producing PWD puppies is a long and expensive journey.  Most PWD breeders are very dedicated to improving the breed and therefore chose to breed only the best dogs - based on health and conformation. 

It all starts with the promising show quality puppy...

PWD breeders use very stringent criteria to determine which puppies are show/breeding quality, and the rest will be spayed/neutered.  The few puppies out of a litter that are show potential, if any, may or may not be placed in show homes.  That will depend upon the availability of qualified prospective owners who want your show puppy. 

Puppies that are placed on a show dog contract will be shown in conformation dog shows to see whether they have the "right stuff" to get their championship.  The show ring is the venue for determining to what degree a dog conforms to the standard for its breed.  If a PWD conforms well enough to obtain an AKC championship, the next step is health testing.

The show/breeding PWD will typically undergo a myriad of health tests.  Most PWD breeders will not breed a PWD unless s/he gets a passing OFA hip rating at two years of age.  Good PWD breeders will also obtain all PWDCA recommended health tests on their show dogs - as the results of those tests help a breeder determine which PWDs would be suitable mates.  (Unsuitable matches can result in dead or unhealthy puppies.)

Choosing breeding pairs based upon the results of all available health tests is very important with this breed due to the original small gene pool of all current PWDs (in 1972 there were less than 25 known PWDs throughout the world).  Most of the PWD community is making every effort to reduce health problems through testing and careful breeding choices. 

We advise being wary of anyone selling PWDs for a lot less than the norm as that might mean one or both parents have conformation or health issues, or that a puppy mill situation exists.

They do not shed very much, but they do shed (all mammals shed at least a little).  PWDs, as well as other single-coated breeds, do not have an undercoat that sheds.  But hair from their single coat does fall out (or get kicked out) and you'll end up with rolling hair-bunnies on the floor. 

Portuguese Water Dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic because they are single-coated (as are Poodles, Bichon Frises, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Wheaten Terriers, to name a few).  To be "hypoallergenic" is to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies.  There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog.  Hypoallergenic dog breeds (single-coated or hairless) will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type will typically produce less than others.  People with severe allergies and asthma will likely still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.

PWDs have less dander which, along with the saliva, are the substances most people with allergies react to.  But their thick, long coats can pick up pollen and dust from outdoors. 

If you have severe allergies it is suggested that you spend time with adult PWDs before getting one.  Many people are allergic to Portuguese Water Dogs, so please be careful.  Spend time with the breed before bringing one into your home as a family member. 

Portuguese Water Dogs get along great with children.  You need to remember, however, that dogs are not human.  PWDs will often consider a child as a canine litter mate and could play harder than you would want.  Also, they play with their mouths - nipping and biting.  It is VERY important that you never let small children be unsupervised with your PWD.

Sex	Height (at withers)	Weight
Males	20 to 23 inches (the ideal is 22 inches)	42 to 60 pounds
Females	17 to 21 inches (the ideal is 19 inches)	35 to 50 pounds

PWD owners can address it by spending a lot of time teaching impulse control exercises, relaxation exercises, and learning to manage the dog vigilantly. Also, they should ensure that the dog is getting constructive mental and physical exercises to channel all that energy.