The MOST important thing as a PWD breeder is the health of the parents and thus the puppies. We start with parents that test normal/clear for all PWD health required tests. We complete the DNA test and submit the results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA.org). The OFA is the national site with the mission to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. We encourage our potential new owners to research the health of the parents for any puppy you receive from any breeder.
Here is the health information from our girl Josie: https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?appnum=2084661
Recommended health test for a PWD can be found at the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA): https://www.pwdca.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=8889&pk_association_webpage=18506
Recommended Health Tests from the PWDCA:
Hip Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
GM1 Gangliosidosis (Portuguese Water Dog) - DNA Test
GM1 Gangliosidosis (GM1-G) is a fatal lysosomal storage disease. Affected Portuguese Water Dogs show progressive neurologic impairment leading to signs of cerebellar dysfunction between 5-6 months of age. GM1-G is autosomal recessive, meaning that animals with two copies of this allele will be affected. Animals with one copy of the gene will be clinically normal carriers.
Microphthalmia Syndrome (MO) - DNA Test
Microphthalmia and delayed growth syndrome (aka “puppy eye syndrome”) has been found in Portuguese Water Dogs by breeders dating as far back as 1986. Affected dogs present with microphthalmia of varying severity, other eye abnormalities, short stature and other findings. Males and females can be affected, although females predominate (about 70%). Pedigree studies suggest an autosomal recessive inheritance. Human literature reports numerous syndromes associated with microphthalmia, and many genes have been identified as having a causative role. Fortunately, breeders now have a test available to them to determine the genetic status of their dog prior to breeding.
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) - DNA Test
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) is recessively inherited and causes sudden death in puppies between the ages of five weeks and seven months. Fortunately, this disease no longer presents a challenge for breeders.
Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA) - DNA Test
Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA) is recognized at 1–2 years of age followed by rapid progression to total blindness
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) is an eye disease that will eventually cause blindness. Progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd) is the form that affects the Portuguese Water Dog.
Health statement from the PWDCA: https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Portuguese-Water-Dog-Health-Statement.pdf
