PWD Health Issues
Before purchasing any purebred dog, prospective buyers should educate themselves regarding the health challenges faced by the breed. Good breeders will talk openly and honestly about health issues and how they have managed their breeding program in order to minimize affected offspring. In general, the Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy and robust breed, but do occasionally face some medical concerns. Detailed information regarding health issues is available at www.pwdca.org However, I will outline some of the issues faced by our breed:
About Our Breeds
Making a decision to purchase a dog is a huge commitment and should be given careful consideration and choosing a reputable breeder should be your primary objective since you will be relying on this person to ensure that your puppy is in good health and has a sound temperament. Since most lay people are unfamiliar with the in’s and out’s of breeding practices and pedigree research, you must trust the breeder is ethical and not producing an animal solely for the “almighty dollar”.
The Portuguese Water Dog has been known for centuries along Portugal’s coast. This seafaring breed worked as a retriever, lifesaver, courier, watchdog and companion of fisherman. 
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) The PRA form occurring in Schapendoes is night blindness (gPRA). Night blindness begins at the age of 2-5 and eventually the animal becomes entirely blind by the age of 5-10 years. This is a hereditary condition and is caused when both parents are carriers of the recessive gene. However, a genetic test is available to determine whether either parent is a carrier. Dogs who test aa and who are bred to ab will never result in PRA. Both Faela’s parents tested aa which means that the line is clear of PRA.