The History of the Portuguese Water Dog
(The New Quest of the Schooner Argus, 1965)
In Portugal the Water Dog is know as Cao de Agua, "Dog of the Water"; "Diving Dog," "Portuguese Fishing Dog" and "Algarve Water Dog." . Historical theory finds the Portuguese Water Dog on the development road from the central Asiatic steps as early as 700 B.C. to the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th Century; and on to the British coastline as working crew of the ships on the Spanish Armada in 1588.
These Portuguese Water Dog seafaring working dogs carried messages between ships and shop to shore, and stodd watch in the bow, barking warning of daninger in the surrounding fog. In his homeland the Portuguese Water Dog thrived as a courier between fishing boats. Portuguese Water Dogs dove fearlessly into the sea to retrieve broken nets and tackle that had gone overboard, and was a loyal friend to the fisherman and his family. These dogs would often dive under water to retrieve submerged articles.
The advancement of modern marine technology over a 400 year period; radar, radio communication and equipment, caused the near extinction of the Portuguese Water Dog by the 1960's.
A number of dedicated breeders in the U.S. revived the breed in 1970's, and by 1981 there were approximately 500 dogs within the United States. Portuguese Water Dogs were then recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984, and eight years later the Canadian Kennel CLub recognized the breed.
These Portuguese Water Dog seafaring working dogs carried messages between ships and shop to shore, and stodd watch in the bow, barking warning of daninger in the surrounding fog. In his homeland the Portuguese Water Dog thrived as a courier between fishing boats. Portuguese Water Dogs dove fearlessly into the sea to retrieve broken nets and tackle that had gone overboard, and was a loyal friend to the fisherman and his family. These dogs would often dive under water to retrieve submerged articles.
The advancement of modern marine technology over a 400 year period; radar, radio communication and equipment, caused the near extinction of the Portuguese Water Dog by the 1960's.
A number of dedicated breeders in the U.S. revived the breed in 1970's, and by 1981 there were approximately 500 dogs within the United States. Portuguese Water Dogs were then recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984, and eight years later the Canadian Kennel CLub recognized the breed.
General Information
The Portuguese Water Dog is a strong, robust, medium sized dog with stamina and endurance to do a full day's work. They are full of personality and are very loyal affectionate members of a family. A PWD has a unique sense of humour, and will compete for the centre of the stage. They have a historical role as a watch dog, and tend to be alert and protective . They have a working background by nature and can be tough and independent at times.
The Portuguese Water dog has a non-shedding coat that continues to grow as human hair does. Coat types can be curly or wavy and colours can vary between black or brown, with or without markings or white with our without markings. Regardless of the colour or type of coat, regular grooming is required of this breed to prevent matting and tangling.
The life expectancy of the average PWD is 12 to 15 years. They tend to mature slowly and remain active well into their senior years. They require daily doses of exercise and constant training to challenge their minds.
The Portuguese Water Dog is not a breed for everyone or everyone's lifestyle. The challenge of channeling stamina, intelligence and humorous exuberance of this dog can be a very rewarding experience but frustrating at times. The commitment of time, effort and care for a PWD is significant and should be considered when deciding whether or not to add a Portuguese Water Dog to your family.
The Portuguese Water dog has a non-shedding coat that continues to grow as human hair does. Coat types can be curly or wavy and colours can vary between black or brown, with or without markings or white with our without markings. Regardless of the colour or type of coat, regular grooming is required of this breed to prevent matting and tangling.
The life expectancy of the average PWD is 12 to 15 years. They tend to mature slowly and remain active well into their senior years. They require daily doses of exercise and constant training to challenge their minds.
The Portuguese Water Dog is not a breed for everyone or everyone's lifestyle. The challenge of channeling stamina, intelligence and humorous exuberance of this dog can be a very rewarding experience but frustrating at times. The commitment of time, effort and care for a PWD is significant and should be considered when deciding whether or not to add a Portuguese Water Dog to your family.