While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Portuguese Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Mini Ratzer is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Brave
Impetuous
Obedient
Docile
Intelligent
Quarrelsome

Loving
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Obedient
Lively
Inquisitive
Fearless
Spirited

Portuguese Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Mini Ratzers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Portugal

United States

poodle

Rat Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer

700 BC

1990s

Brown

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Black
White
Brown

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Curly

Wiry

A Portuguese Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Mini Ratzer can have a litter of 5-7 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Follicular Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Portosystemic Shunt
Pancreatitis

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Demodectic Mange
Cataracts
Color Dilution Alopecia
Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome
Bladder Stones and Infections

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Cardiac
Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Skin Evaluation
Ultrasound
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis

Walking, Petting, Running, Run, Frisbee, Swim, Fetch, Nose work, Sniffing, Drinking water, Jogging, Walk, Tug-of-war, Jump

Fetching, Running, Hunting, Fetch, Walk, Run, Jog, Tug-of-war

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Water Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Mini Ratzer, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Portuguese Water Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Mini Ratzers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Portuguese Water Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Mini Ratzer should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

The average cost of a Portuguese Water Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Mini Ratzer is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Water Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Mini Ratzer is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Portuguese Water Dogs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Mini Ratzers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Portuguese Water Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Mini Ratzers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Mini Ratzers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.