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A Short History of the Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Cao de Agua (pronounced Known-d' ahgwa), or dog of the water, is an ancient breed of unknown origin, but its known history is rich and colorful.  Archeological findings in Asia reveal the remains of ancient herding dogs, some of which developed into a definite and specific type, like the Portuguese Water Dog.  As early as 700 B.C., dogs such as this migrated frequently with conquerors, as spoils of war, to all corners of their known world.

Theories of Origin

One theory of origin claims that while the Moors took these herding dogs to Portugal, the dogs also went south with the Goths as they fought the Romans, where the Lion Dog developed.  This theory suggests that the water dog as well as Poodles and Pulis developed from this shaggy herding dog.  A second theory claims the transportation of water dogs with the Spanish Armada in 1855.  This is highly unlikely since life aboard ship was unbearable and dogs most certainly would have been eaten; no physical evidence has been found to support this theory.  A third theory suggests that a long-coated water dog developed in prehistory with the shellfish eaters in Spain and Portugal, and that the Irish Water Spaniel is a descendent of the ancient Portuguese Water Dog.  

Portuguese Water Dogs have been linked, historically and developmentally, to the Poodle, Pulis, the Water Spaniel, Newfoundland, Barbet, Kerry Blue Terrier, and several varieties of retriever.  PWDs, in part, are similar to all of these.  It is clear that most historians consider most of these to have derived from a similar dog. 

A Swimmingly Successful Career

The Portuguese Water Dog developed into an intelligent, strong, energetic, and agile dog which is affectionate to its owner.  This seafaring dog worked along with Portuguese sailors for centuries, earning his share of each day's catch of saltwater codfish.  The PWD worked tirelessly, swimming to retrieve broken nets, diving to herd schools of fish, and acting as a barking foghorn.  They carried messages boat to boat, and to shore.  They also worked as guard dogs, protecting the sailors' fishing trawlers and their homes.  Fishermen, who could not afford the luxury of owning a dog, rented dogs from older, retired fishermen. 

King Carlos I became enamored with the breed.  In 1897, he gave the royal charter to the forerunner to the Clube Portugues de Canicultura (CPC).   By 1902, a Portuguese hunting magazine and an association of hunters had organized a dog exhibition; but these early dog shows did little to keep the PWD from dying out as technology replaced him, nearly driving him to annihilation.

Rebirth of the Breed

A shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude, determined the fate of the PWD with a single dog named Leao, who was born in 1931.   Bensaude obtained Leao as an adult dog and it is upon Leao that the breed standard is based.  Bensaude obtained other PWDs from fishermen, and bred them to re-establish this breed, which he loved.  These efforts suffered a blow upon Bensaude's death.  Although, Conchita Branco tried to make Bensaude's Algarbiorum kennels work, she had nothing but problems.  Dr. Antonio Cabral followed in Bensaude's footsteps, and made significant contributions to the bloodline, as did Carla Molinari, who is famous for her Afghans and Salukis. 

Into the U.S.

Portuguese Water Dogs were first brought to America in 1960.  The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) was founded on August 13, 1972; sixteen people represented the twelve dogs who lived in the United States.  On June 3, 1981, the PWD was admitted into the American Kennel Club's miscellaneous class.  They were moved into the AKC Working Group on January 1, 1984.

The PWDCA's first National Specialty was held in New Jersey in September of 1992.  A total entry of 571 competed in conformation, obedience, water trials, and an agility demonstration.  In 2002, the 11th PWDCA National Specialty was held in Wisconsin

Today's Portuguese Water Dog

This magical and magnificent dog continues to evolve today.  As responsible breeders work, they need to know that the dogs they are producing continue to conform to the breed standard; AKC Conformation (show) competition is the best way to accomplish this.  Other competitions include: Water Works, which simulates the PWD's work with the fishermen of Portugal; Agility, which tests the dogs' stamina and speed; Obedience, which tests the dogs' ability to work with its handler.   An exceptionally versatile breed, PWDs also excel as Therapy dogs and Rescue-Work dogs.

After September 11, 2001, Presidio Dutch of Alto Mare (Dutch) and his owner/handler Connie Millard were summoned to New York, where Dutch joined the ranks of other cadaver dogs in searching for victims of the tragedy.  Dutch has basic and advanced FEMA certification, as well as tracking, cadaver, and versatility certification.  He is but one shining example of the intelligence and stamina of this dog from an ancient time.

For More Information

·         Visit the website of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America: www.pwdca.org    

·         Visit the website of the American Kennel Club: www.akc.org  AKC's Basic Care and Training and AKC's Complete Dog Book for Kids are available in the online store.  AKC also has a wonderful "Kid's Corner" 

§  The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog by Kathryn Braund

§  The Portuguese Water Dog: A Guide for the New Owner

§  Diving into Water Training for the Portuguese Water Dog

§  Bica, the Portuguese Water Dog is written especially for children

 

 

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