Question 1

What is the temperament of a Portuguese Water Dog?

Accepted Answer

PWDs are affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and endlessly playful. They bond deeply with their family and thrive when they're included in daily life. Expect a dog with real personality — one who wants a job and a lap.

Question 2

Are they good with children and other pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a well-socialized PWD is a fantastic family dog and typically gets along beautifully with kids and other pets. As with any breed, we guide families on early socialization and clear household routines.

Question 3

How much exercise do they need?

Accepted Answer

A daily mix of physical exercise (walks, play, swim if you can) and mental engagement (training, puzzle toys, tasks). A bored PWD will invent their own job — usually one you don't want.

Question 4

Are they hypoallergenic?

Accepted Answer

PWDs are a low-shedding, curly-coated breed and are often more tolerable for people with mild allergies. They are not truly hypoallergenic — no dog is — and they do require consistent grooming to keep the coat healthy.

Question 5

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your family and current litters. Some placements happen within a few months; others take longer to ensure the right match. Pauli will give you an honest timeline during your consultation.

Question 6

Do you ship puppies?

Accepted Answer

No. We ask families to pick up their puppy in person. Meeting Pauli — and letting the puppy meet you — is part of what makes a great placement. It reinforces our commitment to a personal, relationship-driven process.

Question 7

What is the cost of a puppy?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies by litter and by breed. Because every family and match is different, we discuss specifics during your initial consultation. Please inquire directly for current details.

Question 8

What does your screening process involve?

Accepted Answer

A structured conversation about your household, lifestyle, work-from-home patterns, other pets, past experience with dogs, and long-term plans. Nothing invasive — just enough to make sure we're setting both you and the puppy up for success.

Question 9

What support do you offer after placement?

Accepted Answer

Every family gets a direct line to Pauli for the life of the dog. Housebreaking, adolescence, nutrition, behavior questions — she's a call or text away.

Question 10

What food do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

We share our current nutrition guidance during your placement, including our recommended NuVet Plus supplement (see our Resources page for details).

Question 11

Do you have a health guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every puppy is placed with a written health guarantee — the specifics are reviewed with you before pickup so nothing is surprising.

Frequently asked questions.

About Portuguese Water Dogs

The placement process

After you get your puppy