About the Breed
A true water dog, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to be an all-around fisherman's helper. They are highly intelligent working dogs that are wonderful companion animals.
The breed standard describes the PWDs as “This highly intelligent utilitarian breed is distinguished by two coat types, either curly or wavy; an impressive head of considerable breadth and a well-proportioned mass; a ruggedly built, well-knit body; and a powerful, thickly based tail carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder. The Portuguese Water Dog provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness.”
From the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America
The existence of the Portuguese Water Dog along the Algarve, on the coast of Portugal, can be traced back to very remote times. Evidence exists that indicates that in pre-Christian times the water dog was held to be nearly sacred; severe penalties came to those who killed a water dog. There are many theories surrounding the dog, but none dispute that this remarkable dog has an ancient ancestry. The 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 having 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 possible ancestors of the Portuguese Water Dog.
In bygone times, this breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal where this well-balanced working dog was prized by fishermen as both a companion and guard dog. He lived on the working boats where he was taught to herd fish into nets, 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 account 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.
In Portugal, the breed is called Cão de Água (pronounced Kown-d'Ahgwa). 'Cão' means 'dog', 'de Água' means 'of water'. In his native land, the dog is also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog. Cão de Água de Pelo Ondulado is the name given the long-haired variety, and Cão de Água de Pelo Encaracolado is the name for the curly-coat variety.