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History of the Portie

As the name denotes, the Portuguese Water Dog developed in Portugal and is known there as Cao de Aqua (pronounced Kownd' ahgwa), "dog of the water".

The breed developed many centuries ago as a seafaring working dog and predates the Poodle. The Portuguese fishermen kept these dogs as a working part of their crew and paid them wages just as their human crew mates were paid. The Water Dogs would act as couriers, carrying messages between ships and from ship to shore, and would dive into the sea to retrieve broken fishing nets and equipment that had gone overboard. Often they would have to dive under water to retrieve submerged articles.

Origin and Purpose

For centuries, this seafaring breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal and is considered a purely Portuguese breed. Owing to modifications in the fishing systems used, the breed has become restricted to the province of Algarve which should be considered it's home.

It was prized by fishermen for its spirited yet obedient nature and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina. He aided his master at sea by retrieving gear and broken nets, herding schools of fish and carrying messages between boats and to shore. He is a loyal companion and an alert guard.

 

Almost Lost

Though the Portuguese Water Dog was a loyal fisherman's companion and an alert guard for more than 400 years, modern technology and the radio caused the near extinction of this breed by the 1960's.

The breed was revived by a small number of dedicated U.S. breeders in the 1970s so that by 1981 there were about 500 dogs in the United States. PWDs came later to Canada and grew quickly in popularity, from an estimated 35 dogs in 1992 to about 400 in 1998. In 1998 there were about 4500 PWDs living in the United States and Canada.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Portuguese Water Dog in January 1984, and the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the PWD eight years later in April 1992. In 2001, new PWD registrations totaled 1098 in the U.S. and 306 in Canada.

The breed is definitely no longer in danger of extinction; but because of its very narrow gene pool, it is imperative that people considering breeding learn as much as possible about the breed and have their breeding stock tested for all genetic faults. Breeding stock must meet the standard for conformation as set out by the Canadian or American Kennel Club, have an acceptable temperament, and be of a quality that will ultimately improve the breed.

There have been numerous Canadian Championships awarded to both American and Canadian dogs, a couple of Best in Shows, several Group 1sts, and a number of other Group placements. Canadian PWDs have won Obedience titles as well as PWDCA water titles. Our Water Dogs work in Agility, as Therapy Dogs and participate in Flyball, scent hurdles, and free-style obedience. PWDs are members of many all breed and obedience clubs across Canada.