If you love Golden Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs, imagine a mix of the two! This combination results in a medium-sized dog with a teddy bear face, floppy ears, and lots of love to give.
However, Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog mixes are rare, so not much is known about them. In this post, we’ll explore what you can expect based on typical Golden Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs. We tell you about Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix: Care, Pictures, Info & More
Breed Overview
Mixed breeds can be unpredictable in size and coat color. To get an idea of what your Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix will look like, consider the colors and sizes of the parent breeds. Both breeds have coats that can be curly or wavy.
Characteristics:
- Energy
- Trainability
- Health
- Lifespan
- Sociability
Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix Puppies
Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mixes are not common in the United States. Depending on where you live, you might have to travel to find a responsible breeder. A puppy from a good breeder can cost up to $2,500. You can find breeders from an AKC list of Golden Portie breeders.
A good breeder should know about the breeding process and provide health certificates and registration documents for their puppies. Avoid poor-quality breeders and puppy mills, which often sell dogs at low prices without proper health testing or socialization.
Experts recommend getting your new dog from a reputable animal rescue or care facility. Make sure you get health clearances to ensure the dogs are free of specific health conditions.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is a bright breed with high learning potential. These dogs are loyal and eager to please, making them easy to train. Some Golden Porties can be more stubborn as puppies, which can be challenging, but they grow out of it.
This breed bonds closely with its primary caregiver and can easily pick up on subtle changes in their owner’s body language and emotions. This is why many people use Golden Porties as therapy dogs.
Though not commonly used for hunting today, Golden Porties inherit retrieving skills from Golden Retrievers and can thrive on both land and water.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mixes are great family companions because of their intelligent and obedient nature. They are friendly with children and can look after younger kids. They are also good for households with older adults, especially if they adopt older, trained dogs.
Like Portuguese Water Dogs, Golden Porties are nearly hypoallergenic, making them suitable for families with allergies. They adapt well to both apartment living and larger homes. They are great for family adventures and social activities like festivals, hiking, and barbecues.
Do They Get Along With Other Pets?
Golden Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly and sociable breeds. With proper training and socialization, their mix can coexist peacefully with other pets. Some may be more territorial or dominant, while others can be more submissive or easy-going. However, they might have issues with caged pets like fish, so proper introductions and supervision are important.
Things to Know When Owning a Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix
Food and Nutrition:
Most adult Golden Porties do well with two meals a day, while puppies may need to be fed more often. Their diet should include high-quality, dry dog food with high protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Read the packaging for personalized feeding advice.
The amount of food depends on the dog’s age and activity level. Active dogs need more food to replenish energy. Puppies need extra protein and fat for growth. Avoid feeding them fatty human foods to prevent obesity and digestive issues. Consult your vet for nutritional advice and give treats in moderation. Always provide fresh, clean water.
Exercise:
Exercise is important to keep Golden Porties happy and out of trouble. They need about 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. Activities like agility training, running, playing fetch, and swimming are great for them. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.
Training:
Golden Porties are easy to train because they are intelligent and eager to please. Early training and socialization are crucial. Use rewards like toys, treats, and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key. They may have an independent streak, so make training fun and engaging.
Grooming:
Golden Porties may inherit different coat types. If they have a Golden Retriever’s coat, they need to be brushed once or twice a week, and daily during shedding seasons. If they have a Portuguese Water Dog’s coat, they shed less but still need regular grooming to prevent matting. Regular nail trimming is also important.
Health and Conditions:
Golden Porties are generally healthy but can inherit health conditions from their parent breeds. Common issues include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and skin rashes. They are also prone to cancer, which is common in Golden Retrievers. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and vet check-ups can help maintain their health.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is a cute combination of two great dog breeds, though they can be hard to find. If you’re open to different types of dogs, consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations. You might find a loving mixed breed in need of a second chance.
