A PWD was bred to work in the water all day. A dry kennel stay is a different job, so plan for the energy.
A medium dog who needs a real run
At 35 to 60 pounds a Portuguese Water Dog sits between Economy and Business Class. For a lively athlete Business Class (5x6 ft, $59 a night) gives room to move; Economy at $52 also fits one dog. Pick Business Class if yours paces.
Coat and baths
The AKC describes tight, low-shedding curls and two clips, the retriever clip at one inch and the lion clip. A curly coat does not fit the bath chart's short or double columns neatly, so ask which column applies. For reference, the medium column is $45 at 26 to 50 pounds and $50 at 51 to 75 on the chart effective January 1, 2024; please ask to confirm.
Eager, athletic and biddable
The AKC calls PWDs bright, biddable, eager and athletic, built for water work. Without a pool, the grass field and large fenced play areas are where that energy goes. Walks are included. A PWD is a good candidate for the extra picture play session add-on, $14.99 per kennel on the 2026 rates, if you like photos.
Heat, cold and the run
Dense curls trap heat, and a dog bred for cold Atlantic water has little interest in a 100 degree day. Dixon runs about 28 days a year at 100 degrees or more. The air-conditioned indoor side of the run is there for those afternoons.
Keeping a busy dog busy
A dog bred as a fisherman's helper needs jobs. Extras on the 2026 rates give one: a Happy Lick Mat (peanut butter or cheese) is $4.99, and a Happy Pupsicle, a frozen bell pepper treat in beef or chicken, is $7.99. Walks are included, and the grass field is the biggest open space.
Two PWDs from one home
Portuguese Water Dogs are often owned in pairs. Two from one home can share a Business Class run, a pair of large dogs per the kennel's guide, or two medium dogs in Economy. The second dog is about 15 percent off the first, and Business Class sharing is $50.