Below are a mere handful of reviews we have received over the years. We have many satisfied pet owners who would be happy to speak with you about the breed and our pups. Please contact us for their information.
You guys are the best in the business! After making several calls to Portuguese Water Dog breeders, we felt most comfortable with the team at Matrix. They are registered with the AKC and have hundreds of happy puppy families, but what separated them was the attention they gave us on our first phone call. They spent a good hour on the phone with us making sure we were a good fit for the breed. They asked us many questions about our lifestyle and needs in order to best match our new puppy’s personality and temperament. We learned about the demands of the PWD breed. They explained that they need regular and extensive grooming, a good amount of exercise, etc. Once we were properly vetted and learned a little more about their program we made the decision to pursue the purchase of a puppy. It was the BEST DECISION OF OUR LIVES!
This Matrix program produces sound healthy dogs with a great disposition and a beautiful temperament. On our first night home, we immediately noticed that our puppy had received prior training. He went on his potty immediately and already knew how to do sits and other commands. My wife and I could not believe our own eyes!
If I could give them 10 stars I would. This was a life changing experience and we now have a new family member that is a perfect fit for us. We will always have a special place in our heart for the folks over at Matrix.
– Jesse D.
Our interaction with Matrix PWD Kennels was positive from initial contact through today, almost 5 years later. Following the puppy application process we were thrilled to learn they had a pup for us! They provide a wealth of information and guidance specific to the PWD breed as well as puppy development to guide you to help your pup become a wonderful pet. Over the years since we brought our gal Ruby home we continue to receive new health information from Matrix as it is available. Quality breeders are careful in placement, and future breeding, of their pups to maintain the health and quality of their breed – Matrix demonstrates this commitment to the Portuguese Water Dog.
– Lisa F.
I have been doing business with Matrix Portuguese Water Dogs for the past 9 plus years, first with the purchase of my dog, Bandit, who was also involved in the Matrix breeding program. Then we added 2 more (Dutchy and Bimini) from the Matrix family, their team have become part of my family. Over the years they have offered countless number of hours of counsel — from training, nutrition, to grooming tips. As a result of this ongoing support, their PWD’s are second to none! It is obvious they are a dedicated breeder focused on bettering the breed. Unlike most breeders, they match prospective families with dogs they feel are most appropriate. My family knows we received the dogs personally chosen for us based on lifestyle, personalities, and a general sense. Oh, it should be noted that we decided to use this breeder — 3000 miles away from our home — because they simply breed the best Portuguese Water Dogs and the lifetime support they provide to every family.
– Adam G.
The people at Matrix are amazing breeders that helped us become first time Portuguese Water Dog parents. I found them after searching several PWD breeders in the West coast, from Arizona all the way up to Oregon and Washington. We ended up choosing Matrix, because their questionnaire was very thorough. It helped us understand if we were ready for the commitment to take care of the PWD breed, and it let them know if we were ready to be parents and helped them choose the best puppy for us. They were there every step of the way letting us know when they were being delivered and when we could meet them for the first time. And each visit before taking delivery, they taught us how to take care of our puppy from grooming to feeding to doctor visits. We could not have asked for a better breeder. We do have an amazing PWD. Even after we took the puppy home, they were available 24/7 to answer questions when we needed reassurance that we were taking good care of our boy. Even after 3 years we are still in contact with them. And if we ever think we are ready for a second dog, we would call Matrix! They are the best breeders near Southern California.
– Silvia S.
I have purchased two Portuguese Water Dog puppies from MATRIX. The breedings were based on testing that indicated best outcome of excellent health and temperament as well as conformation. Besides taking excellent care of their own dogs, the owners provide help and training information with pups and dogs they have placed. They are ethical, and have responded to questions and concerns in raising my own dogs along the way. My two have both been working Therapy Dogs and loving companions. I have had only positive interactions with this breeder and my dogs. I would highly recommend them! I am still in contact regarding questions and updates on the newest health research.
– Lisa T.
We have been clients of MATRIX Portuguese Water Dogs for over 10 years. We are constantly amazed at the support and follow up. We receive updates on nutrition and health frequently, they are very knowledgeable and helpful. We have been impressed by how thoroughly they screen their prospective owners and how they follow up on the care the dogs are receiving. Very thank full we came across these breeders, they are the absolute best! Sue
We have been clients of Matrix for many years, our beautiful Portuguese water dog is a healthy active 12 year old now. My experience with Matrix could not have been any better, they were and continue to be very supportive. Their character and integrity is beyond any question what so ever. We recommend them extraordinarily highly. The world is a better place because of them.
– Chuck G.
We purchased a Portuguese Water Dog from them in August 2009. We had the privilege of picking the best of litter. We live within a 45 min to where the puppies were cared for. We have personally gotten to know the breeders/owners and they are in our opinion concise and articulate in conveying the contractual obligations when purchasing a dog. We have developed a long relationship with the Matrix team, they are passionate in overseeing the welfare of their dogs. We have had numerous hunting dogs and we have yet to meet someone as nurturing as them when the welfare of their dogs is concerned.
– John A.
We got our family dog 9 years ago from MATRIX Portuguese Water Dogs. The experience we had from initial contact to when our pup was ready to get picked up to now has been a positive one. They keep us informed to this day of all things, including nutrition and all things that benefit our dog. Diva, our dog is healthy, happy and well loved.
– Mary W.
I have known MATRIX and their Portuguese Water Dogs for 12 years. I have bred dogs with them and now have two of their dogs. I started breeding PWD’s on the East coast and now on the West coast with them. They breed quality dogs and are exemplary breeders with high standards. Their dogs are healthy and are typical PWD’s with love for life and their families. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who wants a great Portuguese Water Dog. They support all their puppy families with all the information and support that they need to raise their dogs!
– Myrna P.
We got our first pup from them 7 years and two years later added a second. Before we met them we got our very first dog, Bella, a portie from another breeder. Bella was dysplastic and diagnosed with Addisons at an early age, when we tried to get help from Bella’s breeder she so much as insinuated we caused Bella’s illness. Desperate for advice we started calling other breeders for help and found none until we met these folks and they could not have been more helpful, even though we did not have a pup from them they took us under their wing and have always been there to help and counsel. We have known them now for 8 years and currently have three porties Bella 9, Rio age 7 and Lucy age 5. Rio and Lucy, are Matrix pups which are healthy and happy and were easier to train compared to Bella, the education and support they have provided is priceless. They continue to stay in contact with us and are always ready to help whenever we have a question. They truly go beyond the call, we are constantly rewarded by their quick, effective and mind you -free of charge – support. We receive updates on information frequently which is timely and helpful, along with nutrition and health, they are very knowledgeable. I will say, they can be a little off putting at first because of how thoroughly they screen prospective owners but don’t take offense, getting a dog from them is well worth the process. We will be forever grateful we found them.
– Ron L.
My sister has purchased 2 Portuguese Water Dogs from Matrix over the last 10 years. They are happy, healthy, adorable, smart dogs. The Matrix team has continuously been involved, always available to give advice, helpful training tips, etc. My sister has spoken so highly of them from day 1.
– Janie K
We got our first puppy Finley from Matrix in 2006 and he is healthy and active to this day. We are ready for another puppy and would never think of going elsewhere, they are mentoring now so will take their advice on whom to get our next pup from.
They did not just sell us a puppy but provided a “program” beyond compare and have always been there for us when we questions, they have taught us so much over these many years. We have been kept up to date with research and taught healthy alternatives, told about recalls, changes in how to feed – a good feed one year may not be the next – etc. I credit them for why we have spent very little on vets and have such a healthy Portuguese Water Dog.
– Catherine H
We have received emails like this from just about every family we have ever placed a dog with.
Marla is super smart, willful and funny. I cannot tell you how much I love this dog! She is snuggly, curious and a laugh a minute. I cannot imagine life without her now. She has so quickly integrated into our family. This house is “her” house and she lets everyone know it. The best thing about Marla is how healthy she is. We have another 4 month old pup “Baron” a pure bred German Shepard. Poor Baron has had everything under the sun, parasites, hook worm and now he has broken his leg on a piece of outdoor furniture. This poor doggy has had a rough start. He and Marla love each other so much and now we have to keep them apart. Through all of Baron’s trials and tribulations, Marla has stayed iron clad healthy. Good breeding!
Thank you,
– Kathleen
“We found these great people through AKC and are so glad we did! This has been the best experience we have ever had with a dog breeder. The care and concern they show for their dogs is outstanding. They provided training to us so that we know how to best care for this breed of puppy. They do this with every buyer before placing the puppies because they want to make sure the family is prepared and able to raise a happy, healthy dog. Our expectations have been exceeded throughout this experience and we look forward to a lifelong relationship with Portuguese Water Dogs of San Diego!”
– Rebecca D, Facebook
“I have purchased two pups from Matrix PWD’s who have been wonderful, healthy family pets. They have both spent many years as Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs as well. My interactions with R. Matyas have always been positive from the moment I inquired about purchasing my first dog. She helped match the best puppy to each appropriate owner/home, provided information about puppy health, care, and training throughout the buying process, as well as ongoing emails with the latest research on optimizing health with food, immunizations, etc. My good experience is why I purchased the second dog from her. I have also communicated with other puppy buyers especially in my area who have been equally satisfied. I would recommend working with this PWD breeder highly.”
– Lisa T, Yelp
“Our interaction with Matrix PWD Kennels was positive from initial contact through today, almost 5 years later. We located them on the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) website where they had been members for many years and were identified as a breeder. Following the puppy application process we were thrilled to learn they had a pup for us! They provide a wealth of information and guidance specific to the PWD breed as well as puppy development to guide you to help your pup become a wonderful pet. Over the years since we brought our gal Ruby home we continue to receive new health information from Matrix as it is available. Quality breeders are careful in placement, and future breeding, of their pups to maintain the health and quality of their breed – Matrix demonstrates this commitment to the Portuguese Water Dog.”
– Lisa F, Yelp
“We got our first puppy Finley from them in 2006 and he is healthy and active to this day. We are ready for another puppy and would never think of going elsewhere, they are mentoring now so will take their advice on whom to get our next pup from.
They did not just sell us a puppy but provided a “program” beyond compare and have always been there for us when we questions, they have taught us so much over these many years. We have been kept up to date with research and taught healthy alternatives, told about recalls, changes in how to feed – a good feed one year may not be the next – etc. I credit them for why we have spent very little on vets and have such a healthy dog.”
– Catherine H, Yelp
“Here is where you find a Breeder of health tested Champion bloodlines that offers health guarantees, education and a lifetime of support. Easy to work with, meticulously clean kennel, plenty of space for the dogs to enjoy life, cared for in a loving environment. Don’t go anywhere else if you want an exceptional experience when adding a new furry member to your family!”
– Daniel M, Facebook
“Rhonda is an amazing breeder that helped us become first time PWD Puppy parents. Her questionnaire let her know if we were ready to be parents and helped her choose the best puppy for us. She even called our references, before she committed to choosing us to have one of the puppies. She was there every step of the way letting us know when they were being delivered. When we could meet them for the first time. And each visit before taking delivery, she taught us how to take care of our puppy from grooming to feeding to doctor visits. We could not have asked for a better breeder. We do have an amazing PWD. We are lucky that after 3 years, we can still call Rhonda whenever we have questions about our puppy, and she is eager to help us with answers and suggestions.”
– Silvia S, Yelp
“I have been doing business with Rhonda / Matrix Portuguese Water Dogs for the past 9 plus years, first with the purchase of my dog, Bandit, who was also involved in the Matrix breeding program. Then we added 2 more (Dutchy and Bimini) from the Matrix family. Rhonda and her team have become part of my family. Over the years they have offered countless number of hours of counsel — from training, nutrition, to grooming tips. As a result of this ongoing support, their PWD’s are second to none! It is obvious they are a dedicated breeder focused on bettering the breed. Unlike most breeders, Rhonda matches prospective families with dogs she feels are most appropriate. My family knows we received the dogs personally chosen for us based on lifestyle, personalities, and a general sense. Oh, it should be noted that we decided to use this breeder — 3000 miles away from our home — because they simply breed the best Portuguese Water Dogs and the lifetime support they provide to every family. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information about this breeder.”
– Adam G, Yelp
Rhonda and Bob deliver on what they say! Rhonda’s teaching is very thorough and detailed. Her young pups are potty trained and the pups are in excellent health. Our experience in getting our dog named SIMPLE, was a pleasurable one. Rhonda and Bob are one of the best breeders around for PWD’s. You will not go wrong in getting one of their pups.
– T.G., Yelp
Rhonda and Bob nurture great dogs! That is all there is to it! We purchased our first puppy 6 years ago. Foxy came to us a healthy pup with the basics of potty training and commands already down. Foxy has turned out to be such an even tempered dog. There just isn’t much that causes her anxiety or stress. We were so happy with her that we recently decided to get another puppy from Matrix! Although we are still in the beginning stages, we can tell that this new puppy has been given the same loving attention as Foxy was 6 years ago. We attribute this to the amazing nurturing that the pups are given when young. Rhonda and Bob are very knowledgeable about the development both physically and mentally the puppies are going through. They spend enormous amounts of time exposing the young puppies to various sounds, obstacles and handling. They are eager to train the puppy parents in what to expect with a new puppy and help them through all the development stages of their new dogs. We firmly believe that our mild mannered dog is the product of excellent rearing at a young age. Rhonda and Bob are so passionate about ensuring that their puppies get the best start to life possible!
– Kim D., Yelp
My wife and I just purchased a puppy from Portuguese Water Dogs of San Diego. In over 70 years, I have never dealt with more knowledgeable, competent and caring breeders. Their A+ rating was well deserved from the beginning of the purchase to the end. Most importantly, we received a beautiful, healthy, and well cared for dog from the owners of this business. We had daily communications from Rhonda who gave us detailed updates of the dogs condition. We also received over 80 educational articles explaining her best advice on how to care for the puppy when he was ready to come into our homes. She had organized visits for her clients to see the dogs before purchase. She is a gracious lady who obviously cares deeply about her animals. Robert was always there for additional help and advice. Everything was carefully spelled out in the contract and it was completely adhered to in an ethical and moral manner. Rhonda and Robert are still giving us help weeks after the purchase. These are wonderful people, operating a great business, and breeding amazing dogs. Thanks Rhonda and Bob for all you have done for us and our pup. He is perfect!
– Steve S., Yelp