Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic working breed historically used by Portuguese fishermen to herd fish, retrieve tackle, and carry messages between boats. Their curly or wavy waterproof coat and webbed feet make them natural swimmers. Intelligent, energetic, and eager to work, PWDs gained global recognition after becoming the Obama family's White House dogs.
10–14
years lifespan
42–60
lbs (male)
20–23
inches tall (male)
high
energy level
Temperament
How Old Is Your Portuguese Water Dog in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Portuguese Water Dog Age CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
~10% affected per OFA.
Typical onset: 1–4 years
GM1 Gangliosidosis
Fatal inherited storage disease specific to PWDs.
Typical onset: 0.25–0.5 years
PRA
Inherited retinal degeneration.
Typical onset: 3–7 years
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Early-onset heart disease in some PWD lines.
Typical onset: 0.25–1.5 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Portuguese Water Dog is 12 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- hip dysplasia
- GM1 storage disease
- PRA
- cardiac disease
When Is a Portuguese Water Dog Considered Senior?
Portuguese Water Dogs are generally considered senior at around 8 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Portuguese Water Dog’s age in human years →