If you are looking to buy or adopt a Portuguese Water Dog, it is important to be aware of the associated vet fees, grooming and training expenses, food, and supplies prices, as well as the cost of the puppy itself. You will find all this information and more in this article. We have also developed a cost calculator that will help you estimate the cost of raising a Portuguese Water Dog.
A Portuguese Water Dog puppy is likely to cost between $1,500-$2,890 with the average price being $2,200. First-year expenses are around $4,150 and will be about $1,655/year (or $138/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Portuguese Water Dog is $22,355.
These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials: supplies, training, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming, license, and microchip. Additionally, if you spay/neuter your dog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership could rise between $62,555 and $124,515 through the course of the Portuguese Water Dog’s lifetime, which we assume to be 12 years.
The higher end of the price range applies for premium products and services that you might want to purchase, particularly if you are living in expensive areas.
Below, you will find a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Portuguese Water Dog. At the end of the article, we have added a cost calculator that will generate a much more accurate estimate as to the overall, yearly, and monthly costs of raising a Portuguese Water Dog depending on your situation, habits and needs.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
The price of Portuguese Water Dog puppies
80% of the puppies found after reviewing more than 130 ads for Portuguese Water Dogs from reputable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind fell within the $1,500 to $2,890 range. The average cost being $2,200 for puppies under 6 months. For purebred dogs, prices can be as high as $3,400.
Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Portuguese Water Dog | $1,500 – $2,890 | $2,200 |
Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation.
Whether you decide to buy or adopt a Portuguese Water Dog, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A PORTUGUESE WATER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$1000 – $1,400 | 9 |
$1,401 – $1,800 | 42 |
$1,801 – $2,200 | 28 |
$2,201 – $2,600 | 33 |
$2,601 – $3,000 | 17 |
$3,001 – $3,400 | 3 |
Total | 132 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think Portuguese Water breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist (annually until 10 years of age), progressive retinal atrophy (DNA test), GM1 gangliosidosis (DNA test), juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy (DNA test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
We have another article about the price of hypoallergenic puppies comparing 23 breeds if that’s an essential characteristic for you.
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
The cost of supplies for a Portuguese Water Dog
Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Portuguese Water Dog into your home that much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $185 and $790. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $410 mark for a medium-sized dog.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $5 – $40 | $15 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $5 – $20 | $10 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (36″ or 42″) | $20 – $85 | $50 |
Dog Crate (36″ or 42″) | $30 – $120 | $55 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $30 – $100 | $60 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
Things do get cheaper after the initial investment, with the cost for each subsequent year falling between $75 and $330. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $185. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $185 – $790 | $410 |
Subsequent Years | $75 – $330 | $185 |
Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Should a Portuguese Water Dog be trained?
Dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that professional training is usually not a necessity for Portuguese Water Dogs. An experienced dog owner could probably train this breed him or herself. Portuguese Water Dogs could still benefit from a few group training sessions to learn basic obedience which would typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons).
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Portuguese Water Dog | $0 – $200 | $100 |
There are also many good dog training books out there that will ease the process of training your dog, especially for first time owners.
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You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Portuguese Water Dogs are family friendly dogs. They are easy to train, active and do well with kids of all ages and other pets. They are also great for adults on the go who like to take their pets on adventures.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
The veterinary costs for a Portuguese Water Dog
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning a Portuguese Water Dog. On average, expect to spend around $595 for the first year on veterinary fees and $605 every year after that. These expenses may vary depending on location as well as your dog’s age and health condition.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $395 – $795 | $595 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $380 – $825 | $605 |
Medical cost for the first year with a Portuguese Water Dog
Experts like Leslie Brooks typically suggest a minimum of three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit being scheduled when the puppy is around 8 weeks of age. Each appointment should cost you anywhere between $65 and $170. At her clinic, these include physical checkups, vaccines (including rabies), heartworm prevention, flea prevention and a fecal examination.
Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing with heartworm and flea medication after the initial visits, which cost around $10-$15 per month each for a puppy.
Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities:
- Lyme if exposed to ticks when camping, hiking, or staying in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for initial dose and booster shot).
- Influenza is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for initial dose and booster shot).
- Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often ($15-$25 but is sometimes included in the appointment fees with the other essential vaccines).
As your Portuguese Water Dog grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $150-$450, depending on your locality as well as the clinics therein. Keep in mind that spays are usually slightly more expensive. Some low-cost clinics also provide sterilization services for $50-$100.
Veterinary expenses for an adult Portuguese Water Dog
Generally, your adult Portuguese Water Dog will require at least one trip to the vet for every year. This falls in the $125-$265 range, depending on your clinic and the services provided. This usually includes the annual exam and vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical conditions for older dogs especially).
Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually fall in the $80-$150 and $175-$250 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, optional lifestyle vaccines may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other animals or has inconsistent stool quality, adding another $40-$50 to the total.
Most common health problems for a Portuguese Water Dog
The table below presents some potential health problems for Portuguese Water Dogs as well as a cost estimate to treat them according to Leslie Brooks, DVM.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Joint Abnormalities | Medium | $150 – $3,900 |
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) | Medium | $1,000 – $3,500 |
Allergies (food or seasonal) | Medium | $100 – $2,000 per year |
Gastrointestinal Conditions | Medium | $800 – $3,000 |
Joint abnormalities (cranial cruciate ligament rupture being the most common): this is mostly relevant for middle to older aged dogs, but it can also happen to younger dogs (1-3 years old). The ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs.
If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs.
Addison’s disease is a life-threatening condition that must be treated for the rest of the dog’s life with a variety of medications, which can be expensive. Budget $1,000-$3,500 for diagnostics, treatment, and lifelong medications. The high end of the price range is for dogs who have to be hospitalized if they are in an “Addisonian Crisis”.
Allergies (food or seasonal/environmental): the cost depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also depend on the owner’s decision to proceed with allergy testing and injections. Note that the pet may also need to be fed prescription food, which can easily be as high as $100 per month.
Gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease: $800-$3,000 for diagnostics and to manage this lifelong condition, which may require special prescription diets and medications.
“Portuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but an owner should budget for any unexpected health issues, such as gastrointestinal conditions that may require expensive diagnostic tests.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price (optional)
The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, while $190 is the average cost for accident-only plans. This can be particularly important and may help you save a lot of money in the long run.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
The cost to feed a Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are not the largest dogs around, but still grow to be 50 lb. on average (usually 35 to 60 lb.). As a result, Portuguese Water Dog puppies tend to consume close to 150 lb. of dry food for the first year. This puts food-related expenses in the $130-$220 range. Adult Portuguese Water Dogs generally eat up about 250 lb. of dry food a year, resulting in costs ranging from $115 to $405. These figures are based on the prices of four popular dog food brands detailed below.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $130 – $220 | $175 |
Adult Dog | $115 – $405 | $235 |
Treats to reward your dog can add another $115-$335 to yearly expenses, based on the price of more than 25 best-selling treats seen at Walmart, PetSmart and on Amazon. Naturally, expenses will depend on the quality of food or treats you buy, premium grade brands being considerably more expensive.
Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $115 – $335 | $240 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
A Portuguese Water Dog puppy will eat close to 150 lb. of dry food during the first year.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 5 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $138.90 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 10 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $219.80 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 5 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $129.15 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 5 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $220.40 |
The owner should expect to buy around 250 lb. of food every year for his/her adult dog.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 5 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $114.90 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 7 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $282.52 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 5 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $129.15 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 9 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $404.82 |
Dog food is perishable but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market, so consider bulk-purchasing food for your Portuguese Water Dog. Also make sure to consult your vet on the type of food you should be giving to your dog.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Medium Puppy | 30 lb. | 5 | $65.99 (PetSmart) | $329.95 |
Medium Adult | 30 lb. | 9 | $64.99 (PetSmart) | $584.91 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Grooming prices for Portuguese Water Dogs
Corryne Smith, certified groomer, suggests that a Portuguese Water Dog receives professional grooming 3 to 8 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $50 to $75. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). On average, this comes up to an annual cost of $375.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Portuguese Water Dog | $150 – $600 | $375 |
Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care.
DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so!
Additional costs that comes with a Portuguese Water Dog
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
Licensing
Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on your location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on local regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies much easier.
Microchip
Microchips create a unique identification to your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S states and will range from $25-$50.
Dog walking
If you cannot walk your Portuguese Water Dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter with over 10 years of experience, highly recommends hiring a dog walker for a daily 30-minute walk. It is imperative that an energetic dog such as the Portuguese Water Dog gets some sort of exercise as well as outdoor time. On average, these are affordable. A 30-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $25 ($20 to $50 for 1 hour) depending on your location.
But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.
Traveling
In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Portuguese Water Dog in the care of a dog boarding service. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services, and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book dog boarding services in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so.
If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will probably have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.
Yearly and monthly cost of a Portuguese Water Dog
The cost of a puppy during the first year
On average, the first-year cost that comes with a Portuguese Water Dog puppy ranges between $2,510 and $5,900. This comes down to an average cost of $4,150, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $1,500 – $2,890 | $2,200 |
Supplies | $185 – $790 | $410 |
Training | $0 – $200 | $100 |
Medical | $395 – $795 | $595 |
Food & Treats | $245 – $555 | $415 |
Grooming | $150 – $600 | $375 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $2,510 – $5,900 | $4,150 |
You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
If you choose to neuter/spay your dog as well as get pet insurance, the cost rises to $4,965 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $9,445.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $2,910 – $7,130 | $4,965 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,235 – $12,975 | $9,445 |
Yearly and monthly cost of a Portuguese Water Dog for the following years
The costs that come with owning a dog do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $845 and $2,515, with an average cost of $1,655 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $70-$210 range and averages $138/month).
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $75 – $330 | $185 |
Medical | $380 – $825 | $605 |
Food & Treats | $230 – $740 | $475 |
Grooming | $150 – $600 | $375 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $845 – $2,515 | $1,655 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $70 – $210 | $138 |
With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,500 for the year (or $625 every month).
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $1,195 – $3,295 | $2,220 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,120 – $10,140 | $7,500 |
Cost of ownership of a Portuguese Water Dog
In total, the cost of owning and raising a Portuguese Water Dog for 12 years boils down to the $11,805-$33,565 range, with the average cost being $22,355.
Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Portuguese Water Dog | $11,805 – $33,565 | $22,355 |
With additional expenses tacked on, such as the medical procedures mentioned earlier, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising a Portuguese Water Dog falls in the $62,555 to $124,515 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 12 years (usually 11 to 13 years). The average price of raising a Portuguese Water Dog can then be estimated to be $91,945.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $16,055 – $43,375 | $29,385 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $62,555 – $124,515 | $91,945 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Portuguese Water Dog cost calculator
The cost of a Portuguese Water Dog – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Portuguese Water Dog puppy?
On average a Portuguese Water Dog puppy will cost $2,200 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $1,500 and $2,890. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Portuguese Water Dog need training and how much will it cost?
A Portuguese Water Dog could be trained by an experienced dog owner and usually do not need professional training on top of that. But like any breed, the dog would still benefit from a few group classes for basic obedience which should cost between $150 and $200 on average.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Portuguese Water Dog?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Portuguese Water Dog puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450).
5 – How much food does a Portuguese Water Dog eat and how much will it cost?
A Portuguese Water Dog puppy will eat around 150 lb. and an adult close to 250 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $130 and $330 for a puppy and $115 to $585 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Portuguese Water Dog be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
A Portuguese Water Dog should be professionally groomed 3 to 8 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $50 to $75 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Other breeds you might like
Are you suffering from allergies? Please read our article about the cost of 23 popular hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Portuguese Water Dog, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Portuguese Water Dog. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
This article is original content from PetBudget.