Portuguese Water Dog Age Calculator

A fatal inherited heart condition unique to Portuguese Water Dogs where affected puppies develop rapidly progressive heart failure between 2-32 weeks of age. The condition causes sudden dilation and weakening of the heart muscle, leading to congestive heart failure and death, often with minimal warning. JDCM is autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene to produce affected offspring.

Prevention: A DNA test identifies carriers and affected dogs for the JDCM mutation. Responsible breeders test all breeding stock and never breed two carriers together. When purchasing a PWD puppy, confirm that both parents have been tested and that the breeding is safe (at least one parent must be clear). There is no treatment for affected puppies — prevention through genetic testing is the only solution.

Symptoms: sudden lethargy and weakness in a puppy, laboured breathing, poor appetite and failure to thrive, abdominal distension, exercise intolerance, sudden death

A fatal inherited lysosomal storage disease specific to Portuguese Water Dogs caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-galactosidase. Affected puppies appear normal at birth but develop progressive neurological deterioration starting around 5-6 months of age, including loss of coordination, blindness, and seizures. The condition is always fatal, typically by 15-18 months of age.

Prevention: A reliable DNA test is available for the GM1 mutation. All PWD breeding stock must be tested, and two carriers should never be bred together. This is a non-negotiable genetic test for the breed. When purchasing a puppy, verify testing documentation for both parents. Responsible breed clubs strongly advocate for universal testing, and the incidence has decreased significantly as a result.

Symptoms: progressive loss of coordination starting around 5-6 months, difficulty walking and frequent falling, head tremors, vision loss, behavioural changes, seizures, difficulty swallowing

Abnormal development of the hip joint where the femoral head and acetabulum do not fit together properly, resulting in joint laxity, cartilage damage, and progressive arthritis. Portuguese Water Dogs have a significant incidence of hip dysplasia, and their active, athletic lifestyle means even moderate dysplasia can become symptomatic. The condition ranges from mild discomfort to severe lameness requiring surgical intervention such as total hip replacement.

Prevention: Source puppies from parents with OFA Good or Excellent hip ratings or PennHIP-tested parents. Maintain a lean body weight from puppyhood through old age. Avoid high-impact, repetitive activities during the growth period (first 18 months). Provide joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin) from middle age. Swimming is the ideal exercise for this breed — it builds muscle and maintains fitness without stressing joints.

Symptoms: bunny-hopping gait when running, stiffness after rest or vigorous exercise, reluctance to jump or climb, decreased exercise tolerance, limping or favouring one leg, loss of muscle mass in hind quarters

A condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol and aldosterone, hormones essential for stress response and electrolyte balance. Portuguese Water Dogs have a higher than average incidence of Addison's disease. It often presents with vague, waxing-and-waning symptoms before a potentially life-threatening Addisonian crisis during a period of stress. Once diagnosed, the condition is manageable with lifelong hormone replacement.

Prevention: There is no prevention, but early detection saves lives. Be alert to vague, intermittent GI symptoms, lethargy, or episodes of weakness, especially during stressful events. A baseline cortisol test can serve as a quick screen — if low, an ACTH stimulation test confirms the diagnosis. Inform your veterinarian about the breed predisposition so they consider Addison's in differential diagnoses. Once diagnosed, monthly DOCP injections and daily prednisone allow most dogs to live normal, active lives.

Symptoms: intermittent lethargy and weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea that come and go, decreased appetite, weight loss, shaking or trembling, collapse during stress or excitement, slow heart rate

A group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases causing gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. Portuguese Water Dogs are susceptible to prcd-PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration). Night blindness typically appears first, followed by progressive loss of peripheral and then central vision. The condition is painless and bilateral, and there is no treatment to halt or reverse it once it begins.

Prevention: A DNA test for prcd-PRA is available and should be performed on all breeding stock. Purchase puppies only from breeders who test both parents — carriers bred to clear dogs will not produce affected offspring. Annual ophthalmologic exams starting at age 1 establish a baseline and enable early detection. Dogs diagnosed with PRA can adapt well with environmental consistency and owner support.

Symptoms: difficulty navigating in dim light, reluctance to enter dark rooms, bumping into objects in unfamiliar settings, dilated pupils, increased eye shine, hesitancy on stairs or uneven terrain at dusk