Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog, known as the Cao de Agua “dog of the water” and the Portuguese Fishing Dog, was once popular all along Portugal’s coast where he was said to be prized by fishermen as a companion and guard dog. During this time, the dogs lived and worked on boats where they herded fish into nets, retrieved lost tackle or broken nets and acted as couriers from boat to boat to shore. These tasks required that the dogs be excellent swimmers. They were also capable of diving underwater to retrieve gear and to prevent fish from escaping from the nets. Modern technology, however, nearly caused the extinction of the breed.

Although there are many theories about the Water Dog’s history, there is no doubt that he has an ancient ancestry and is said to predate the Poodle. In pre-Christian times, it is said that the “water dog” was seen as nearly sacred. The breed was first brought to the United States in the late 1960s and by early 1970, there were only 25 known Portuguese Water Dogs in the world. However, because of dedicated breeders, by 1981 there were over 500 dogs in the U.S. Today, there are thousands living all over the world and though still not a common breed, it is no longer rare or in danger of extinction.

Portuguese Water Dog

The modern Portuguese Water Dog has been recognised since the 1930’s when the breed standard was set by a dog named Leao.  A shipping magnate named Vasco Bensaude became interested in the breed when he heard that they were faced with extinction.  He acquired a dog named Leao from a fisherman and set about a planned breeding programme and standardisation.  Leao became the founding father of the modern breed and was widely known for his intelligence, affection and temperamental (almost moody) nature.

The Portuguese Water Dog, Ria Formosa Natural Park from Algarve Retreats LtdThe breed standard asks for a dog that is “ very intelligent and tremendously energetic with great swimming and diving techniques”.   The dog should be well muscled, balanced, robust and resistant to fatigue.  The penetrating gaze that the dog is known for is said to have come from their ability to detect sharks by staring into the water.  The dog is also said to be able to jump from the sea into a boat, possible because of the strength in the shoulders, chest and legs. The PWD’s strong swimming ability is improved by their characteristic “webbed” feet – the toes are joined by a membrane which greatly aids power through the water.  The PWD is not a mild breed, strong willed due to their working heritage, friendly, they love to play, dig and chew but they Portuguese Water Dogs, Ria Formosa Natural Park from Algarve Retreats Ltdare extremely faithful to their owners and love to spend all their time with their master.