Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More

Also known as a Golden Portie or a Golden Portuguese Water Dog, this dog is a combination of a Golden Retriever with a Portuguese Waterdog. The resulting dog can either be a large- or medium-sized dog, depending on the dominant genes from the parent dog.

Since the parent breeds have differing personalities, you never really know what type of temperament your Golden Portie will adopt. However, most of them are generally friendly, smart, and reliable.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix.

The Portuguese Water Dog Golden Retriever mix is one of the most charming dogs that you can adopt. Right from the start, you can tell that this dog breed will be a great family companion. It combines the loving, easy-going, kind, and trustworthy traits of the Golden Retriever and the Portuguese Water Dogs’ intelligent, docile, and obedient temperament.

The resulting breed is nothing short of amazing. It features a dense coat that can range between wavy, shiny straight, curly, or silky. Even though rare, the popularity of the Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog Mix has slowly been rising as it takes its place in the canine world.

Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix Breed Characteristics

Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix Breed Puppies 

As earlier mentioned, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is not a common dog breed in America. As such, depending on where you reside, you might have to travel to find a responsible breeder to get Golden Portie puppies.

On average, a Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix puppy from a good-quality breeder can retail for as much as $2,500. You can find these breeders from a list provided by AKC of Golden Portie breeders.

A good breeder should be knowledgeable about the breeding process of his dogs. They should also be able to provide all the health certificates, information, and any relevant registration documents related to their puppies.

Poor-quality breeders, or even worse, puppy mills, will try to lure unsuspecting customers with ridiculously low prices. Moreover, their puppies are not usually tested for common health conditions. They are also likely to be unloved, unsocialized, or uncared for.

This is why experts recommend that you look for your new mixed breed from a reputable animal rescue and care facility. Also, make sure you get health clearances to prove that the puppies are cleared of specific health conditions.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix

In terms of personality, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix is an incredibly brilliant breed with high learning potential. These dogs are also loyal and eager to please, making them very easy to train into well-behaved puppies.

Granted, some Golden Porties will be more stubborn than others, and as puppies, they can be slightly challenging to handle. This is because they take time to mature, and they tend to be very hyper at that stage.

When it comes to companionship, this breed has excellent comradery with their human owners. It tends to form tighter bonds with its primary caregiver, even more than other family members. They are very intuitive and can easily pick up subtle changes in their owner’s body language and emotions.

This is perhaps why most people use Golden Porties as therapy dogs for people with anxiety disorders and disabilities.

Even though not much hunting is still done these days, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is excellent at retrieving, a skill inherited from the Golden Retriever parent. They are also able to thrive in both land and water settings.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog Mix can make great family companions because of their smart and obedient nature. They are friendly with children, making them suitable for families with children. They can even look after younger kids and protect them with their lives if push comes to shove.

They are also ideal for families with older adults. But older adults should purchase or adopt slightly older dogs that are past the puppy stage or a dog with previous training.

Just like the Portuguese Waterdog parent, the Golden Portie is one of those dogs that are considered almost hypoallergenic, thus suitable for families where some members are prone to allergies.

Due to their high adaptability, the mix is also good for both apartment living and larger homes. They make great companions for family adventures because of their willingness to interact with new people. This makes them great for festivals, hiking, barbeques, and all other family-related activities.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Both Golden Retrievers and Portuguese Waterdog parents are friendly and sociable breeds. With proper training and socialization, the resulting mix can learn to coexist peacefully with other pets in the household, including other dogs.

Remember that every dog is different and may have a unique personality and temperament. Some may be more territorial or dominant, while others may be more submissive or easy-going. Nevertheless, this breed is a great contender if you are looking to add a dog to your multi-pet household.

Golden Porties can only struggle to live with caged pets like pet fish, especially if not completely separated from each other. Thus, it’s vital that you take time to introduce and properly monitor their interactions.

All in all, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix is a good-natured dog and can make a great companion for other pets, whether a new addition or an old resident.

Things to Know When Owning a Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

On average, most adult Golden Portuguese do well with two meals a day, but puppies may require more frequent feedings. The diet should include high-quality and dry dog food. Look for dog foods that list high-quality protein sources as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or fish. In addition, you should always read the kibble packaging for tailored advice on how to feed your mutt.

The amount of food that you offer your dog will depend on its size, age, and energy levels. If your Golden Portie spends all day playing on the shores, he’ll definitely need more food to replenish his energy levels.

Similarly, remember to feed your Golden Portie age-appropriate food, especially when in the puppy stage. Puppy foods should be able to provide extra proteins and fats, which are necessary for the puppy to grow into a healthy adult.

Just like the parent breeds, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix is also prone to dietary problems, so clean foods and proper rations are essential. You should also avoid feeding him fatty human foods because they increase the chances of obesity. While some owners support feeding dogs with homemade diets and raw foods, it’s best to consult your local vet for necessary nutritional profiles.

Give treats in moderation, and don’t let them make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet. Look for healthy low-calorie treats that are made specifically for dogs. Moreover, ensure your dog has access to fresh clean water. That’s especially essential during hot weather or after exercise.

Exercise 🐕

The Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog mix life is a high-energy working dog breed; they require plenty of physical activities to cater to their minds and muscles as well as stave off boredom.

Besides taking plenty of swims and regular walks, this dog breed thrives in training-based exercises. These include nose work, agility, dock diving, obedience, and therapy work, among other yard activities.

Therefore, 60 minutes of exercise a day combined with brain-stimulating activities and playtime is recommended to keep Golden Porties at their optimum level both physically and mentally. You can opt to break the exercise regimen into two walks, one in the evening after work, and one in the morning before leaving the house.

Alternatively, you can simply play one of their favorite pastime games to stimulate them appropriately.

Training 🎾

As earlier mentioned, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is easy to train because of its submissiveness and smartness. They also care what their humans think, thus picking up commands more swiftly. They take up a variety of tasks and adapt to the new environment very quickly.

However, just like with all dogs, this breed needs early training and guidance. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, ensure that you immediately socialize him with as many people and dogs as there are in your household. This will help teach him basic dog manners and build his confidence.

One of the best ways to train your mutt is by offering rewards such as toys, food, or praise whenever they do something good to ensure that they repeat the same good behavior. If you scold your puppy for not following a command, they are likely to sulk.

Moreover, as a working dog breed, Golden Porties tend to have an independent streak which can hamper obedience training. The independent streak, coupled with his highly energetic nature, can sometimes be too much for new dog owners to handle.

The best way to counter this is to make the training more enjoyable. Consider leaving your dog on a leash in the first few months of training.

Grooming ✂️

Just like the parent breeds, which feature long hair on their coat, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog mix has a luscious and dense coat that is surprisingly easier to take care of and maintain than it looks. Brush the coat at least 2 to 3 times a week to keep its locks dirt and tangle-free.

A soft-ended comb type of brush or a slicker brush would be suitable tools for taming your dog’s waves and curls. However, a de-shedding tool would also come in handy when trying to reach the undercoat to remove debris beneath the top fur layer. Just make sure that you are gentle whenever brushing your mutt’s coat because it lacks an undercoat to protect the skin.

You should also consider bathing your Golden Portie after every six weeks. This will help get rid of slime, dirt, salt, and chemicals that might have accumulated on his skin and coat. However, do not use regular shampoo every time you bathe your dog because it will strip off the natural oils on its skin. Instead, use a conditioning or hydrating shampoo, which is ideal for taming your dog’s curls and preventing matting.

Also, remember to clean its ears at least once a week to prevent bacterial infections. A warm damp cloth or dog-friendly ear-cleaning products would be ideal.

You will also need to clean his teeth at least twice a week to keep periodontal infections at bay and maintain fresh breath.

The nails will need trimming twice every month or whenever you hear a tapping sound when they walk on concrete. Most importantly, check your dog regularly for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend time outdoors. Use a flea and tick preventative to protect them from these pests.

Health and Conditions 🏥

As a relatively healthy breed, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog mix doesn’t have a lot of health concerns. It generally enjoys a healthy life. However, as a hybrid mix of purebred dogs, Golden Porties are also susceptible to some specific health conditions.

The mix may suffer from some, none, or even all the below-mentioned health conditions. If in doubt, you can always consult your local vet for clarification.

Minor Conditions:

In addition to the more serious health conditions that Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix can be prone to, there are other minor conditions, the most common being Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

PRA usually causes the deterioration of the retina, often leading to complete vision loss. The first noticeable sign of this condition is night blindness. Other signs include apparent clumsiness and poor vision.

The dog can also be prone to allergies, which may manifest as skin irritation, itching, and hair loss. Other minor conditions include cataracts, hypertension, and ear infections.

Serious Conditions:

The Golden Portie is incredibly prone to cancer, which happens to be the leading cause of death in the Golden Retriever parent. Fortunately, your dog can live a long, happy life with fewer complications with sufficient exercise and a proper diet.

Another serious medical concern in medium and large-sized dogs is hip dysplasia which occurs when joints develop unevenly or rapidly. This condition can cause painful mobility, eventually leading to arthritis. Signs include the inability to lay, stand, or climb stairs or even general intolerance to exercise.

Gangliosidosis, or GMI, is also a common medical issue in Golden Porties. This disease often leads to issues in the dog’s central nervous system. Signs include seizures, loss of coordination, and behavioral changes.

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Male vs Female

Just like the parent breeds, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog mix females are smaller than males. The females also have narrower faces and sleeker bodies, while the males are thicker and studier. While each gender might have its unique personality, males are generally more boisterous and fuller of energy. They might be the perfect candidate while going out for a walk in the dog park.

Female Golden Porties, on the other hand, are more docile and laid back. They would rather sit around the house with family members instead of running around the yard. Females also mature faster than males in this breed.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix

1. Golden Porties Have a Multi-Octave Voice

This simply means that the bark and all other sounds that this dog breed produces are very distinctive. It is perhaps why they make great deaf assistance and hearing aid dogs.

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2. Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Mix Has Webbed Feet

Just like their parents, this breed features webbed feet to help it navigate in water, and this is why Golden Porties are such great swimmers.

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3. Golden Retriever Portuguese Waterdog Mix Doesn’t Do Well Alone for Long Periods

Since these dogs create such powerful bonds with their owners, they will feel sad and alone when left alone for a while. They are happiest when their owner is in their vicinity.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog mix is an intelligent, fun-loving, and obedient dog breed that is always eager to please its owner. Due to their intelligence and temperament, it is relatively easy to train, making them ideal companions for both pets and family members.

However, you should supervise the dog when interacting with smaller pets to prevent the likelihood of accidents.

This dog breed is also easy to groom and doesn’t suffer from health conditions that affect most dog breeds. Either way, you should have your dog cleared for common health problems before adopting or purchasing one.

See Also:

• Portuguese Water Dog Labrador Mix: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
• Portuguese Water Dog German Shepherd Mix: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More

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Featured Image Credit: Left – rustyc, Pixabay | Right – Brook Robinson, Shutterstock