Breed History

Once long ago, he was a fisherman's helper and friend. When the boats went out for the day's catch he was part of the crew. The Cao de Agua, the dog of water, worked along the Iberian peninsula retrieving fish and fishing gear, tracking schools of fish, transporting messages between boats, and rescuing fisherman. On shore the dogs performed as guards for their owner's property and sheep. They were very valuable to the men they worked for and were rarely sold. The first Portuguese Water Dog to be brought to the United States arrived in the late 1960's. At that time the breed was nearly extinct.

Breed Description

This dog is muscular, brave, loyal, and obedient. Physically they are lively and spirited, ready for any activity. The males measure 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder. Females are proportionately smaller. There are two coat types - wavy and curly. Both are classified as single and non shedding. The coat may be clipped into the lion style (face and hindquarters are completely shaved, the rest of the coat is left shaggy) or the retriever style (entire coat clipped 1 inch long evenly around the body).

To All The People Who have Made A Choice.

A Contract

I have chosen to share my life with you, a member of another species. I pledge to appreciate your uniqueness as a member of the canine family, and to attempt to raise you and discipline you in terms of this uniqueness. In return, I know that you will reciprocate my attentions to you by letting me share your view of the universe. I will be a better person for having this experience. I hope your life will also be better for having been with me.