Health-tested Portuguese Water Dog stud dogs
Once a fisherman's crew mate, this curly, low-shedding athlete now ranks among the best-tested breeds in America. Its parent club lists five DNA tests beside hips and eyes. On VerifiedStuds, every owner is identity verified, and each profile shows those results beside the fee.
$1,000 to $2,500+
estimated fee, while champion sires cost more
7 tests
hips, eyes and five DNA tests
Natural, chilled, frozen
breeding methods
Portuguese Water Dog profiles are opening now. Meanwhile, owners of health-tested males can claim a free Founding Stud spot.
Founding Stud spot open
Show his OFA hips, eye exam and full DNA panel to breeders who are ready to book.
Claim this spotFounding Stud spot open
Founding Studs pay 0% commission on their first booking, and listing is also free.
Claim this spotFounding Stud spot open
Short on time? Then send us the documents, and we will build the listing for you.
Claim this spotPortuguese Water Dog stud fees usually run from $1,000 to $2,500. A health-tested male with no proven litters often asks $1,000 to $1,500. However, champions and proven sires with clear DNA panels can ask $2,000 to $3,000.
These are market estimates, since fees are private. The breed is not common, so demand for good sires stays steady. The stud fee guide explains contracts and return services.
$1,000 to $2,500+
Overall range (estimate): $1,000 to $3,000
Health-tested, unproven male: $1,000 to $1,500
Champion or proven sire: $2,000 to $3,000
The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America is the AKC parent club. A stud can carry our Verified Health badge when the owner uploads the results on its recommended list:
Test
What we accept
Hips
OFA hip evaluation or PennHIP
Eyes
Exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist, repeated yearly
prcd-PRA and EOPRA
DNA tests for two forms of retinal atrophy
GM1
DNA test for a fatal storage disease
JDCM
DNA test for juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
Microphthalmia
DNA test for an inherited eye defect
Brucellosis
Negative test taken before the breeding
JDCM kills puppies within months, and GM1 is fatal as well. However, both are recessive. So a carrier bred to a clear dog produces no affected puppies, and the lab report tells you which pairings are safe. Registered results are public on the OFA website.
See our health testing guides for how each test works.
First, compare DNA panels side by side. Since most of the breed's diseases are recessive, a carrier is not a problem when the female is clear for the same gene. Therefore, the right stud depends on her results.
Next, ask about coat. The breed has two correct coats, curly and wavy. In addition, some dogs carry an "improper coat" gene that gives a short, shedding coat, and a DNA test finds it.
Finally, check hips and temperament. A Portie should be bold, biddable and keen to work. Ask about water work or performance titles, which show the dog still does his job.
For centuries these dogs worked on Portuguese fishing boats. They herded fish into nets, retrieved lost tackle and carried messages between ships. The AKC recognized the breed in 1983. Males stand 20 to 23 inches.
At home, the breed is affectionate, clever and full of energy. However, the coat grows constantly and needs regular clipping. As a result, it suits active owners who enjoy grooming and training.
Portuguese Water Dogs usually breed naturally. However, the gene pool is small, so breeders often ship chilled or frozen semen across the country and from Europe to keep litters less related. Each profile lists the methods on offer.
The dog artificial insemination guide explains timing and shipping. Then see how VerifiedStuds works.
1
First, shortlist studs and message owners through the site to agree on dates and terms.
2
Then book the stud and pay the listed fee by card at checkout.
3
After that, accept the breeding terms before the booking confirms.
4
Finally, the owner is paid through Stripe, and you can leave a verified review after the breeding.
Own a Portuguese Water Dog stud? List Your Stud free. The first 100 studs pay no commission on their first booking.
Also compare Poodle studs, Labrador Retriever studs, Golden Retriever studs and Chesapeake Bay Retriever studs, or see every breed on our stud dogs by breed page. Related dogs are common in this breed, so read our guide to the coefficient of inbreeding.
How much is a Portuguese Water Dog stud fee?
Most owners charge $1,000 to $2,500. However, champions and proven sires can ask up to $3,000. These figures are estimates.
What health tests should a Portuguese Water Dog stud have?
Hips, a yearly eye exam and DNA tests for prcd-PRA, EOPRA, GM1, JDCM and microphthalmia, plus a recent negative brucellosis test.
Can a JDCM carrier be bred?
Yes, to a clear mate. That pairing produces no affected puppies.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed?
Very little with a correct coat. However, dogs with an improper coat do shed, and a DNA test identifies carriers.
How do I list my Portuguese Water Dog at stud?
Create a free account, upload his health results and photos, and set your fee. Or let our team build the listing.
List him free while the 100 Founding Stud spots are open, or compare typical fees first.