Do you remember the Obama Family’s dogs, Bo and Sunny? Both these Portuguese Water Dogs introduced the country to this fun, intelligent, and adorable dog breed.
Only a few people know that Portuguese Water Dogs have a long history. They have been descended from dogs that Portuguese fishermen used to send messages between boats, bring tools from the water, and attract fish into nets. It was centuries ago!
Portuguese Water Dogs are also popular as Portieor Cao De Agua. If you go to different parts of the world, you will find many mixes of these dogs. You can imagine how adorable all these breeds would be.
On average, you can expect to find a total of seven Portuguese Water Dog Breed mixes across the world. While they may differ a little in size and appearance, they all have the iconic calm temperament of the original breed. That’s one reason a Portuguese Water Dog makes the best pets. Here are seven Portuguese Water Dog breed mixes you can adopt.
The 7 Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mixes
1. Portuguese Water Dog & Poodle
Weight | 35 to 70 pounds |
Height | 17 to 24 inches |
Coat | Dense and curly |
The Portuguese Water Dog Poodle is the most commonly found mix in the US. Since both the Poodle and the Portie are curly-haired, the resulting dog has a dense, curly coat. They are very high maintenance, which makes this dog breed unique from the rest.
Both parents of Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle have been “siblings” in the olden days. Breeding them results in a medium-sized, highly energized mix. If you bring this dog home, you’d have to provide them with at least an hour of daily activity.
As for grooming, Portuguese Water Dog and Poodles do require regular or weekly brushing, depending on their coat length. It is wise to keep a vacuum cleaner in hand, as you may need to clean the dog’s shedding hair from your home.
This Poodle-Portie breed mix is super affectionate, lively, and fun. These dogs love humans and water equally, so ensure you spend plenty of time with them and allow them to swim as much as they want. However, early socialization and training must be done to keep these dogs well-behaved.
2. Portuguese Water Dog & Golden Retriever
Weight | 35 to 80 pounds |
Height | 20 to 24 inches |
Coat | Dense, long, curly, wavy, or silky |
The Portuguese Water Dog and Golden Retriever mix is another adorable yet mesmerizing breed. These dogs have a friendly demeanor and a very welcoming look in their eyes. And why wouldn’t they? They have come from loving Golden Retrievers and adorable Portuguese water dogs.
Golden Retrievers are easy-going, trustworthy, and affectionate dogs. On the other hand, they are intelligent and adorable. You can imagine how unique the Portuguese Water Dog and Golden Retriever mix would be.
An interesting thing about these dogs is that you can’t pre-determine their size or appearance. If the Golden Retriever genes dominate during breeding, the resulting breed will be quite big. But if the Portie wins, you will have a medium-sized dog. But don’t worry, they will still be charming!
As for grooming and maintenance, the Portuguese Water Dog and Golden Retriever mix requires extensive work. Their coat is dense and long with varying textures. It could be silky, straight, shiny, curly, and wavy—you can never know. But luckily, these dogs are moderate shedders, so you won’t have to vacuum your house more often.
3. Portuguese Water Dog & Labrador Retriever
Weight | 40 to 80 pounds |
Height | 20 to 23 inches |
Coat | Dense and long |
The Labrador Retriever is everyone’s favorite. They are affectionate, cheerful, and social, with a very low temperament, making them one of the best family dogs. On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs are also exceptionally patient and friendly dogs. Thus, the resulting breed is simply outstanding.
The Portuguese Water Dog and Labrador Retriever mix breed is known for its intelligence. You can teach them various tricks and commands. They will pick them up very quickly! These dogs are also curious, submissive, and playful. If you have kids at home, you will find them playing different games in the yard or even swimming.
Bringing a Portuguese Water Dog and Labrador Retriever to your home will make your everyday fun and enjoyable. Just take them on regular walks and maintain their coat depending on their condition.
4. Portuguese Water Dog & Soft-Wheaten Terrier
Weight | 35 to 55 pounds |
Height | 18 to 22 inches |
Coat | Dense and curly |
If you put both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Soft-Wheaten Terrier side by side, you won’t find much difference in shape and size. Both are medium-sized dogs with dense coats. Mixing them would produce an adorable wheat, white, black, or brown-coated dog breed.
The Portuguese Water Dog and Soft-Wheaten Terrier breed has a good temperament and intelligence. These dogs are also submissive, spirited, and playful, so you won’t spend a dull day at home. They love humans and prefer to have playing sessions with their owners.
This Portuguese Water Dog breed mix is hypoallergenic and sheds significantly less. However, you may need to maintain a regular grooming routine for them, or they will start looking untidy and messy. Overall, making this breed your pet would bring lots of smiles to your family!
5. Portuguese Water Dog & Goldendoodle
Weight | 35 to 60 pounds |
Height | 16 to 26 inches |
Coat | Single, wavy, medium, or curly |
Still looking for the Portuguese Water Dog breed mix of your dreams? The Portuguese Water Dog and Goldendoodle mix may be your true calling. These dogs are well-behaved and charming, ensuring you get the best of both worlds at home.
The Portuguese Water Dog and Goldendoodle breed comprises medium-sized canines with varying coat textures. Depending on the dominating gene, their coat can be single, wavy, or curly, but it’s usually medium in length.
Not only the size and texture but this variation is also seen in the color of the coat as well. It can be black, white and black, red, yellow, golden, or cream. Apart from their appearance, these dogs are cheerful, curious, and outgoing. They also love playing sessions, especially with kids, making them great family dogs.
6. Portuguese Water Dog & Border Collie
Weight | 30 to 60 pounds |
Height | 18 to 23 inches |
Coat | Dense |
If a Border Collie and a Portuguese Water Dog are your favorites, you can adopt their mixed breed to have both dogs at home. The Portuguese Water Dog and Border Collie breed is loving and affectionate. So, your pet will hug and cuddle you whenever they can. Be prepared for it!
The size of these dogs mainly depends on the gene that dominates the most during breed. But they generally show little to no aggression around different dog breeds. However, they aren’t fond of cats.
The Portuguese Water Dog and Border Collie mix dogs are known for their prey instincts. That’s one reason they don’t love cats, often found chasing the felines around the house. So, if you have a feline at home, keep both pets in separate rooms. As for grooming, brush the dog’s coat twice or thrice a week to maintain its charming looks.
7. Portuguese Water Dog & Bernese Mountain Dog
Weight | 70 to 90 pounds |
Height | 22 to 25 inches |
Coat | Dense or curly |
Last on the list is the Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog mix breed. It descends from two working dogs, which makes this breed super energetic. If you bring this mixed breed dog to your home, you won’t find them sitting at home idle. Instead, they would be doing anything from running, walking, playing, or sniffing different house corners.
So, before adopting these dogs, ensure you have the stamina to match their high energy levels. The Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog are medium-sized but can be large based on the dominating gene.
Their coats are curly or dense, requiring moderate grooming to stay maintained. The Portuguese Water Dog and Bernese Mountain Dogs are also very intelligent, so you can expect to have a perfect time with them in training sessions. They are also brave, loyal, and docile.
Are Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mixes Costly?
The Portuguese Water Dogs are among the most expensive dog breeds in the US and worldwide. But this high cost is understandable. Look at their charm, friendliness, and overall sweet appearance. It’s all worth it!
Since Bo and Sunny reached the White House, the demand for this dog breed skyrocketed in the US. Despite their high cost, people bought Porties in surprising numbers. According to an estimate, a Portuguese Water Dog puppy might be available for $1,500 to $2,500. Their mixed breeds will cost more or less the same.
But remember, that’s the price for a puppy. If you try to buy an adult-trained Portuguese Water Dog mix, you can expect a higher price, even double that of the puppy’s. Adopting is affordable, so you can go for it if budget is your concern.
Is a Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mix Right for You?
Almost all Portuguese Water Dog breed mix types are friendly, docile, submissive, and loving. They are one of the best family dogs out there. No matter how big or small your family is, this breed mix will be suitable for you.
Just be prepared for lots of hugs and cuddles from your pet. Also, provide specific training and playing sessions to keep them happy and content. These dogs also make the best companions for swimming, walking, hiking, and jogging.
You’d also have to take care of their grooming requirements. Most breeds have dense and curly coats, so keep them clean. If you’re okay with all these things, the Portuguese Water Dog breed mix is right for you.
Conclusion
There are around seven Portuguese Water Dog breed mixes found across the world. While they may differ in size and appearance, their relaxed and calm temperament and cuteness remain the same. These breed mixes are super friendly, affectionate, and lively, making them the best family dogs.
Before welcoming any Portuguese Water Dog breed mix to your home, ensure you’re prepared to care for its grooming, feeding, and activity requirements. They require regular coat maintenance and a proper training routine, so take care of their needs, and they will fill your house with laughter.
Featured Image Credit: Brook Robinson, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 7 Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mixes
- 1. Portuguese Water Dog & Poodle
- 2. Portuguese Water Dog & Golden Retriever
- 3. Portuguese Water Dog & Labrador Retriever
- 4. Portuguese Water Dog & Soft-Wheaten Terrier
- 5. Portuguese Water Dog & Goldendoodle
- 6. Portuguese Water Dog & Border Collie
- 7. Portuguese Water Dog & Bernese Mountain Dog
- Are Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mixes Costly?
- Is a Portuguese Water Dog Breed Mix Right for You?
- Conclusion