All breeds of dogs can have health problems. Portuguese Water dogs health concerns are:
HIP DYSPLASIA - is caused by the joints not formed properly. The imperfection can be slight or severe causing no pain or discomfort to mild to severe discomfort.
STORAGE DISEASE (GM1) - is a rare but fatal neurological disorder. This disease is produced by breeding two carrier dogs.
PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA) - is when the blood vessels of the retina start to deteriorate which eventually causes blindness.
ADDISON'S DISEASE - is an inherited condition in which the adrenal glands stop working, which is important to control the metabolism of sugar and maintaining the salt, and water balances in the body.
JUVENILE DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (JDCM) - is an inherited fatal disease that is caused by a recessive gene.
FOLLICULAR DYSPLASIA - is also a genetic condition, where the hair follicles are not formed correctly causing the hair to fall out and in some cases it may not grow back. This is more common in a curly to curly breeding.
IMPROPER COAT - an improper coat is quite rare. An improper coat is flat and sheds. The coat would look similar to a retriever or spaniel.
For more detailed information on the health concerns check out: