Portuguese Water Dog puppies

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Portuguese Water Dog puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are high. Start daily brushing and short, positive handling sessions at eight weeks, well before the adult coat arrives, or the first professional groom will be traumatic. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), detectable by DNA test
• Early onset progressive retinal atrophy (EOPRA), detectable by DNA test
• GM1 storage disease (gangliosidosis), detectable by DNA test
• Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
• Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), detected by blood electrolyte testing and an ACTH stimulation test

From Portuguese Water Dog breed information at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/working/portuguese-water-dog/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.

Your Portuguese Water Dog puppy's first six months

• Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
• Worming and parasite schedule.
• Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Portuguese Water Dog.
• Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 16 to 25 kg adult range.
• Puppy names and the first week checklist.

Other medium breeds

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