We know that you are eager to get a puppy, and dealing with genetics and medical issues can be confusing. 

We want you to make a great choice.  We urge you to talk with several breeders about the things you need to know, like pedigrees, health, temperament, price, AKC registration, and written guarantees. 

For starters, you should know about some serious health issues, among them -

• GM1 that causes death within one year. 
• PRA that causes blindness. 
• Hip dysplasia, a poor hip joint which can cripple and cause arthritis, although it does not always do so. 
• Various eye problems.  An annual exam called a CERF exam can check for these. 

We recommend tests for these conditions of any sire and dam, the parents of your pup.  You are solely responsible for ensuring that you have seen copies of test results (e.g. an OFA certificate with a permanent number).  We suggest that you see these forms and the contract in writing before you commit. 

This list is a convenience for PWDCA breeder members; it is a paid advertisement - please treat it as such.  We do not supervise, guarantee, recommend, or endorse any breeder.  We are not party to any contracts.  But we have set up a system to help you get more information:

Regional Club Representatives (see listing under the Community PWD Clubs section of this website) can answer additional questions, guide you to the owners of Portuguese Water Dogs nearest to you so you can meet more dogs, learn about local club activities, etc. Please do not ask the Club Representative to recommend one breeder over another. 

Our breed has a range of health, temperaments, energy levels - and breeders.  Please take the time now to make a careful choice.  For samples of health test forms and information on other health issues, please see the "Guide to the Portuguese Water Dog" on this website.  It will help your conversations with breeders.