Portuguese Water Dog Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

The Portuguese water dog was originally bred to be a fisherman’s helper many years ago. Since then, this lovable breed has found its way into the hearts of many families. These dogs are athletic, energetic, loyal, highly intelligent, friendly, and loving. This makes them an excellent candidate for homes with young children or other pets. If you’ve decided to purchase one, we’ll help break down what you can expect to pay for a Portuguese water dog.

How Much Does a Portuguese Water Dog Puppy Cost?

The final price for a Portuguese water dog puppy will vary depending on factors like your location and the breeder’s reputation. However, it is safe to say that the average price will fall between $1,500 and $3,000. This is a large range, and several factors will influence the final cost. Purchasing from a reputable, ethical breeder is always the best choice. Although puppy mills may be able to offer lower prices, they seldom run genetic tests on their animals. This means that congenital disorders are commonly diagnosed in the puppies they sell. These medical conditions are often painful for the animals and typically very expensive to treat.

The best way to avoid this is to do research on the breeder that you’re buying from. Word-of-mouth recommendations are the easiest way to gauge a breeder’s reputation. Don’t be afraid to reach out to current Portuguese water dog owners and ask where they purchased their puppy. Additionally, reputable breeders will usually offer a health guarantee on their puppies. This means that they have done extensive genetic testing to ensure their puppies are healthy and unaffected by congenital disease. If they do become diagnosed with a disorder covered by the guarantee, the buyer will become eligible for a refund. This peace of mind is worth the extra money you might pay upfront. In addition, avoiding backyard breeders helps drive these unethical operations out of business. If the price is a bit high for you, adoption is a more affordable option, and it typically costs between $50 and $300.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Portuguese Water Dog

The final cost of a Portuguese water dog puppy will vary depending on two main factors: your location and the pedigree of the dog. Those who find themselves close to a high concentration of reputable breeders can expect to pay slightly less due to competition. However, individuals who live in an area with relative scarcity may have to pay a little more. In addition, the cost of living in your state will affect the final purchase price as well.

If you’re interested in a pedigree Portuguese water dog, costs may also be higher. Those who aspire to bring their puppy into the show ring someday will likely have to pay a premium compared to those who wish to keep their dog as a house pet. In addition, things like special coloration will also influence the price as well.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Portuguese Water Dogs

Depending on the age of your puppy, certain medical expenses such as neutering or spaying may be covered by your breeder. In addition, the first set of immunizations for your puppy will likely be included in the purchase price. However, this is not always the case. Those who are choosing to adopt can expect to pay roughly $125 to $250 for neutering or spaying. The price of vaccinating your dog will be about $100 per round of immunizations, and boosters will cost roughly $40 each.

In addition, getting your puppy microchipped is important. This simple medical procedure is very affordable at around $50. Puppies are highly energetic, and there is always a chance they will become too excited and run out the door. If they wander too far and become lost, whoever finds your Portuguese water dog can bring them to any vet and have their microchip scanned to retrieve your contact information.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Portuguese Water Dogs

If this is the first dog in your home, there are certain supplies you’ll need. Things like food and water bowls, a crate, a dog bed, and a leash and collar are all essentials. It’s best to put aside about $200 minimum for these initial expenses. In addition, the Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized dog that will eat about two to three cups of food per day. This means that the average monthly cost of dry food will be about $40 to $60 depending on the brand you choose. This price does not include wet food or dog treats.

Those who want to feed their Portuguese water dog a raw diet will find that costs are higher at about $100 per month. Compared to traditional kibble and wet food, raw diets consist of unprocessed ingredients that replicate what their meals would look like out in the wild. Proponents claim that it has many benefits, such as longer life spans, increased energy and shinier coats. Even more expensive than feeding your Portuguese water dog a raw diet is feeding them a prescription diet. Only dogs who have specific medical needs will require this. If this is the case, prices can surge as high as $200 per month depending on their individual needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Portuguese Water Dog

Individuals who purchase their Portuguese water dog from a breeder who offer them a health guarantee will be covered for about three years on average. After this grace period is over, it’s a good time to begin looking at alternative forms of coverage. Pet insurance is one excellent way to guarantee that you remain covered in the event of a medical emergency for your pet.

Without the safety net of pet insurance, medical debt can be crippling. This helps take the financial pressure off of you and your family at an incredibly stressful time. Pet insurance costs between $20 and $50 per month on average. Where the price falls within this range will depend on your provider and the specific package you purchase.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese water dogs respond to training very well. These dogs are famous for their high intelligence, obedience, and willingness to please their owners. For these reasons, they make excellent working dogs and often find themselves employed as herding dogs in the current day. Despite this, they are very excitable, which makes them an unideal candidate to be a service animal. However, this is not always the case. Throughout history, Portuguese water dogs thrived working on the water. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs “herded fish into nets, retrieved broken nets or lost tackle, and acted as aquatic couriers from boat to shore or between boats.”

Presently, training your Portuguese water dog will take some effort, but not an incredible amount. Start with simple commands while they are young to build their focus. If they seem too excited to concentrate, don’t be afraid to motivate them with treats and positive reinforcement. For those who don’t have time to dedicate to training their Portuguese water dogs, classes are available starting at roughly $40 per session. It is recommended to take your dog to weekly training sessions for roughly a year to ensure their understanding is solidified.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get swept away in the excitement of bringing a new puppy home. However, it’s important to be responsible and plan accordingly for this big moment. On average, the lifespan of a Portuguese water dog is between 10 and 15 years, so this is a long-term commitment. Be sure that you are prepared financially to support your dog for their whole life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ami Wells/Shutterstock.com