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1972 sixteen dedicated owners and friends of the Portuguese Water Dog gathered in New Canaan, CT, to form the what now exists as the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. There are currently over 1,000 members of this national club.
August 1, 1983 The Portuguese Water Dog was accepted for registration in AKC stud books. Also became eligible to compete in the show rings as a member of the Working Group, effective January 1, 1984. At that time, 182 dogs were registered. "Charlie Brown" The first PWD to win a Best in Show, Ch. Charlie de Alvalade on June 30, 1984. He was a brown curly whelped on May 16, 1978 and imported to the United States from Portugal by Deyanne and Herbert Miller, Jr. He also was the first American Champion. With popularity and responsible breeding growing in the United States, registered dogs totalled 601 in 1990, 649 in 1991, 803 in 1992, 826 in 1993, 792 in 1994, and 919 in 1995. IN THE BEGINING: it seems that there are just about as many theories on the origin of the Portuguese Water Dog there are many theories about the Water Dog's history, there is no doubt that he has an ancient ancestry. While no one knows exactly how or when most breeds began. Canine historians have claimed that the Portuguese Water Dog may be one of the world's original breeds. first written description of the Portuguese Water Dog is dated to 1297, and concerns a monk's report of a dying sailor who had been brought out of the sea by a dog which had a "black coat of rough hair, cut to the first rib and with a tuft on the tip of his tail". Due to the historical clip still in use, many writings describe the breed as a "Lion Dog". It is said that the current day Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel are possibly ancestors of the "water dog". In bygone times, this breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal. This well-balanced working dog was prized by the fishermen as a companion and guard dog. He lived on the working boats where he was taught to herd fish into nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as a courier from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Tasks required the dogs to be excellent swimmers and seafarers. Dogs were capable of diving underwater to retrieve fishing gear and to prevent the escape of fish from the nets. Constant swimming and working with the fishermen accounts for the remarkable muscular development of their hindquarters. As noted in the breed standard, this dog of exceptional intelligence and loyal companionship willingly served a master well.
BREED NAME: The Portuguese Water Dog in Portugal, the breed is called Cão de Água (pronounced Kow-the-Ah-gwa; literally "water dog"). In its native land, the dog is also known as the Algarvian Water Dog ("Cão de Água Algarvio"), or Portuguese Fishing Dog (Cão Pescador Português). Cão de Água de Pêlo Ondulado is the name given the wavy-haired variety, and Cão de Água de Pêlo Encaracolado is the name for the curly-coated variety. in Portugal, is a strong, robust, medium sized dog:
BREED STANDARD: AKC Standard Bitches stand 17” – 21” (ideal is 19) weigh 35 to 50 lbs. VERSATILITY: versatile The Portuguese Water Dog is a true versatile breed. They are one of the few breeds that are in different groups under different Kennel clubs. You will be able to find them doing a number of jobs such as Hunting, Water work, Therapy, Service, Rally, Obedience, Search and Rescue just to name a few jobs. If you are willing to donate the time to training, the Portuguese Water Dog is more then happy to learn and work.
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