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More History...
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.
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