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There are few things more rewarding than watching a litter of Portuguese Water Dog puppies grow from tiny newborns into confident, curious companions ready to begin life with their forever families.
 

At Seaworthy Portuguese Water Dogs, we believe exceptional puppies don’t happen by chance. They are the result of thoughtful breeding, careful planning, and countless hours spent nurturing each puppy during the most important weeks of its life.
 

We breed infrequently because our focus has always been quality over quantity. Every breeding is carefully planned with health, temperament, structure, and longevity in mind. Our goal is to preserve everything we love about the Portuguese Water Dog while raising puppies that are prepared to thrive as beloved family members.
 

From the moment a litter is born, each day is filled with purpose. Every new experience, every interaction, and every milestone helps build the foundation for a confident, resilient dog.

 

The Seaworthy Difference
 

At Seaworthy, raising puppies is about far more than meeting their basic needs.
 

Our puppies are raised in our home as part of our daily lives. They are handled from birth, surrounded by the sounds and routines of a busy household, and introduced to new experiences in ways that encourage confidence rather than fear.

We believe puppies learn through positive experiences, curiosity, and trust. Rather than simply waiting for puppies to grow, we intentionally create opportunities that help them develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence.

Whether they are exploring new textures, meeting visitors, learning about water, or discovering the joy of a food puzzle, every experience is designed to prepare them for success in the real world.
 

By the time our puppies leave for their new homes, they have already begun learning that the world is an exciting place and that people are safe, kind, and fun.

 

How We Raise Our Puppies
 

The first eight weeks of life have a tremendous influence on a puppy’s future. We make the most of every day.

Our puppy program includes age-appropriate activities designed to encourage healthy development while keeping each experience fun and positive.
 

Our puppies experience:

  • Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

  • Daily handling and gentle socialization

  • Exposure to household sounds and activities

  • Novel surfaces and confidence-building environments

  • Problem-solving games and enrichment activities

  • Water introduction and confidence-building experiences

  • Positive grooming and nail care

  • Crate introduction

  • Early potty training routines

  • Temperament evaluations to help match each puppy with the right family
     

No two puppies develop exactly the same way, which is why we pay close attention to each puppy’s individual personality as they grow.
 

Our goal isn’t simply to raise puppies. It’s to help each puppy become a confident, adaptable companion ready to succeed with their new family.

 

Our Commitment Doesn’t End on Go-Home Day
 

Bringing home a puppy is just the beginning of your journey.
 

When you welcome a Seaworthy puppy into your family, you become part of ours. Every family receives our comprehensive Seaworthy Puppy Handbook, developed from years of experience raising Portuguese Water Dogs. It provides guidance on everything from feeding and crate training to grooming, socialization, enrichment, and navigating the important developmental stages during your puppy’s first year.
 

But perhaps more importantly, you receive ongoing support.
 

Questions don’t stop after pickup day, and neither do we. Whether you need training advice, grooming recommendations, or simply want to share pictures of your growing puppy, we’re always happy to hear from you.

Watching our puppies grow into cherished family members is one of the greatest joys of breeding.

 

Looking Ahead

Our next planned litter is anticipated in 2027.
 

Because we breed only occasionally, we encourage prospective families to begin the conversation well in advance. This allows us to get to know each family, answer questions, and thoughtfully match every puppy with the home that best fits their personality and lifestyle.
 

If you’re considering adding a Portuguese Water Dog to your family, we invite you to learn more about our dogs, explore our breeding philosophy, and complete our Puppy Questionnaire.
 

Finding the right puppy starts with finding the right breeder, and we’d love the opportunity to get to know you.

Puppy Pics

Hazel and Busy Bee

Hazel and Viking

Previous Seaworthy Puppies

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703-969-9990
donnapmerkle@icloud.com

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