I'm Jill R., the breeder behind Maritimo Portuguese Water Dogs located in Delaware, OH. Our main goal at Maritimo is the production of healthy dogs with sound temperaments with a focus on conformation, athleticism, and intelligence. Our puppies are raised in our home and around daily living where they can be properly socialized with many people and new experiences. We feel that proper socialization is the key to our puppies making wonderful family companions.
Q. & A. with Jill
Why did you start breeding?
My dad and I used to breed and raise Dobermans when I was young. I absolutely loved it. When I got my second Portuguese Water Dog many, many years ago, I started showing her, which led me to breed her. My breeder was a wonderful mentor and I have the same passion for breeding today as I had when I was younger.
What makes your program special?
I consider myself a preservation breeder. I do not breed for volume or money. I do not purchase one male to breed to all of my girls. I breed with a specific goal in mind and with purpose. I do not choose the top winning popular stud dog to breed too. I look at the written standard of the PWD and choose a stud dog that fits the standard in every way and one that will compliment my girl. I choose a stud dog that will maintain the standard, health and temperament of the PWD. Once I have chosen the right stud dog for my girl, I begin studying his pedigree. I look into each and every dog as well as all their littermates. I look for hidden health risks. While all recommended PWDCA health tests are completed on both parents, that is not enough when breeding for the healthiest puppies possible. Like every breed, the PWD has known health issues that we do not have a health test for. You have to know your pedigrees and carefully look into each dog to uncover possible health risks. This takes knowing the dogs in the pedigree and how to research the dogs you don't. When you start seeing diseases like Addison's, cancer, lymphedema or behavioral issues generation after generation and in multiple dogs, you need to make the choice not to breed that dog. Researching pedigrees is time consuming, but a necessary part of responsible breeding.I care about the future of this breed. I want my breeding practices to have a positive impact on its future.
Unlike most top breeders, I give families that want the best the opportunity to have a top quality show pet. I do not want to deprive my puppies of an amazing home because I want them shown. Knowing they are going to a great loving home means more to me. My dogs are valued members of my family and I want the same for their puppies.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include brown and white, black and white, black, and brown. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Jill
Jill has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $3,000 - $3,200 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“As above. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required once the female’s pregnancy is confirmed.”
Contract & health guarantee
Jill may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Jill offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Jill directly.
Maritimo Portuguese Water Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Nori, mom
Portuguese Water Dog
About Nori
Nori is not only a beautiful girl, but she is extremely loving and loyal. She likes nothing more than sitting with her family and being pet. She is super smart and learns very quickly. She has a wonderful temperament and loves children. She is a wonderful mother to her puppies and a valued member of our family.
Excellent health testing
DNA Profile, Microphthalmia Syndrome (PES), +8 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Maritimo Portuguese Water Dogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Portuguese Water Dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Chondrodystrophy and IVDD Risk (CDDY-IVDD), Microphthalmia Syndrome (PES), Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA), Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, GM1 Gangliosidosis, Portuguese Water Dog Type, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.