Portuguese Water Dog

Breed History

The Portuguese Water Dog’s lineage dates ties back to the coastal, southern Portuguese region of Algarve. They were bred as working dogs to help fisherman. They were trained to fetch tackle and herd fish into nets. Hence the name “Water Dog.”

Portuguese Water Dog Health

The Portuguese Water Dog is a relatively healthy breed. However, like any purebred dog, they are susceptible to hereditary disorders and may require emergency care. Here is a list of conditions and the cost to treat to give you an idea.

Condition	Cost to Treat
Addison’s Disease	$2,400 per year
Heart Disease	$5,000 to $20,000
Bloat	$1,500 to $7,500
Cancer	$5,000 to $20,000
Hip Dysplasia	$4,000 to $6,000
Corneal Dystrophy	$2,000 to $3,000
Progressive Retinal Atrophy	$2,000 to $3,000
Cataracts	$2,000 to $3,000
Broken Bones	$200 to $5,000
Torn Ligaments	$3,000 to $6,000
Foreign Body Ingestion	$500 to $5,000

Sources:

Dog Health Conditions
PWDCA

Pet Insurance for Dogs

Dogs get sick and hurt just like us and when they need veterinary care, surgery or medications the costs can really add up. The best way to protect your wallet and your Portuguese Water dog from expensive vet bills is to enroll in a pet insurance plan while your dog is young and healthy.

✓ Accidents	✓ Illnesses
✓ X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.	✓ Surgery
✓ Hereditary Conditions	✓ Hospitalization
✓ Congenital Conditions	✓ Prescription Medications
✓ Chronic Conditions	✓ Emergency Care
✓ Cancer	✓ Specialty Care
✓ Diagnostic Treatment	✓ Alternative Treatment
X Pre-Existing Conditions	X Preventative Care

Note: There are no pet insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions.

Learn More: Pet Health Insurance 101

How Much Does it Cost?

Below are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much pet insurance will cost for your Portuguese Water Dog. The only way to know exactly how much a policy will cost is to compare quotes from various companies.