About The Breed:
Known for being from Portugal, where it is called 'Cao De Agua' - (or dog of water), from the centuries of work they performed there along
the Algarve coast. They would work in the sea retrieving nets, herding fish, retrieving lost tackle knocked overboard, act as a foghorn (bark), swim messages to other boats, and guard the day's catch. They would alert the fisherman of sharks by refusing to work. The dogs were a valued member of the fishing crew and earned their share of the profits ~usually in the fish they would be fed. When the seas were too rough to go out, they would work in the fields herding sheep and other livestock. With all this physical work in their genes, it is understandable that they are an active breed with exercise requirements.
Today, they are basically out of a job thanks to modern technology like the radio and fish finders; therefore we must now provide them an outlet for their intelligence and energy to burn. Also, due to their history of close quarters shared with the fisherman, the Portuguese Water Dog is a dog that wants to be close to you at all times. They will follow you from room to room and be underfoot. Portuguese Water Dogs have a heart of gold and a mischievous glint in their eye. With proper training, you'll have a wonderful companion that will keep you smiling. Their clownish personalities require you to have a sense of humor as well.
It is very recommended that you do lots of homework about this breed before having one join your family as their demanding personalities may prove too much for some. They are not a breed that can be left alone for hours on end nor out in the yard. They are a single coated breed and do not have enough protection to survive outdoors. Also, they have social and emotional needs to be close to their human companions. Best to keep them active, this breed excels in performance such as conformation, agility, obedience, rally - obedience, and therapy avenues like visiting nursing homes, hospitals, etc.
FUN FACTS:
Did you know the PWD ...
comes in two textures; wavy and curly in colors of black, or brown, or white.
will look you directly in the eye in a non-aggressive manner.
have webbed feet and can dive down to retrieve lost items in the water.
has the ability to "smile" with lower jaw.
were first mentioned in writing in 1297 for rescuing a drowning sailor.
