I'm 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.
About Jill
I am a registered nurse by trade, but once I became a mother, I became a stay at home mom. I purchased my first PWD in 2001. He was an amazing dog for our family. My kids are grown and gone now and my hobby and focus are my Portuguese Water Dogs. I have worked with the breed for over 21 years. They are my family and my home will never be without a PWD.
What makes Jill’s 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.
Jill is a member of 2 clubs
Overboard Portuguese Water Dog Club, Portuguese Water Dog Club Of America member since 2001
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. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. 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.
Puppy prices range from $3,500 - $3,700 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“As above. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required once the female’s pregnancy is confirmed.”
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.
Our puppies are well adjusted to a home environment and are properly socialized with various people and other dogs. They are raised in the middle of our home where they can be exposed to daily activities of a home. I utilize the following enrichment methods: children, Early Neonatal Stimulation, play time in safe grass areas, not concrete , Bathing, Puppy Temperament Evalulation, Initiate No-Bite Training, Indoor and outdoor play; physical and mental stimulation , We play noise densensitizing music videos to expose your puppy to sounds that may otherwise trigger a negative response from your puppy (doorbells, fireworks, barking dog, children playing, men talking, etc.), Touch, pets, and kisses are encouraged during human socialization., Stairs and Obstacles, Confidence Building, Weekly Nail Trims , Early Socialization, Noise desensitization, Introduction to crate training, surface and tactile stimulation, grooming , Behavioral shaping , Human Interactions , Puppy Culture , Car Rides, Puppy Culture, Noise Desensitization, Texture Stimulation, Temperament Imprinting Evaluation, Potty Pad Training, Outdoors, e.g. rain, Various Surfaces , Strangers, Chew, e.g. Bone, Structures, e.g. Climbing, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Early Neurological Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Socialized with Elderly, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Adult Dogs, and Socialized with Children.
All puppies visit the vet for a health check and are dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to going to their forever homes.
We send our puppies home with Bone, Vaccinations, Toy with Mom's Scent, Puppy Leash, Puppy Starter Kit, Food Starter Bag, Blanket with Littermates Scent, AKC Registration, and Microchip.
Jill offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“Families may pick up their puppy by driving to our home or flying into our local airport. If flying into the local airport, you must purchase an airline approved pet carrier for your puppy to fly back on board with you. All puppies must be picked up in person by their new owner. We do not ship our puppies.”
Why Jill started 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.
Jill has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Jill was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Jill’s program includes four colors
Jill’s Portuguese Water Dog puppies include brown and white, black and white, brown, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Jill’s links
Maritimo Portuguese Water Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Portuguese Water Dog
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
Portuguese Water Dog
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.