
The Portuguese Water Dog It is a breed of dog of the Algarve, Portugal. They were used as working dogs by fishermen from time immemorial, but in the 20th century have become a rare breed.
While, the origins of the breed are somewhat obscure, What if one certainty is that the history of these dogs is very old.
A probable reference to Portuguese Water Dog It is found in the text of a monk, that in 1297 described the rescue of a sailor carried out by a dog with similar characteristics to the breed we are talking about... "long, black hair, cut up the first rib, and with a tuft at the tip of the tail«.
The common standard of shearing for these dogs, Mark to be as the description of the monk. As well, a photo of early 19th century, It represents the arrival of the King of Portugal to the beach of Bethlehem, shows a water dog, swim to the boat of the King.
The closest relatives of the Portuguese Water Dog are Kerry Blue Terrier, the Barbet and the Poodle standard.
Originally, water dogs – excellent swimmer is- they were used by the Portuguese fishermen in their boats as helpers in varied tasks, how to be… herding the fish into the nets, recovery of objects fell into the water, carrying messages between ships or between Earth and the sea, among others.
The writer Raul Brandão, in his book the fisherman (1932), It describes the activity of a fishing boat in Olhao, and much of its description was based on these dogs and their marine skills.
From the 20th century with the advancement of new technologies both in fishing and in communication, the work that was usually done by dogs gradually was replaced, and there was no need to travel with dogs on board. Like everything else in life, progress has its 'pros' and its 'cons', in the decade of 1930 the number of specimens of the breed decreased greatly and the few specimens that survived were found on the Algarve coast.
The 1934 It was a crucial year for the subsistence of this breed, and perhaps the starting point of the recovery of the Portuguese Water Dog was the Lisbon Exhibition in 1934, under the direction of Frederick Pinto Soares. here enters the story, Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy businessman who lived in the Azores Islands, had attended this canine event, because he was also dedicated to breeding water dogs. He was so impressed with the Portuguese Water Dog What, decided to buy four specimens and thus start a careful breeding program in his hatchery, Algarbiorum. Y, what he achieved with the support of two loving friends in the race, Pinto Soares and Fernandes Marques.
In Lakes, found a beautiful male named Leão and was taken to Lisbon, followed by Dina, a female of Sesimbra. Two specimens found in the Algarve joined his Kennel, Nero, a male of curly hair and Venesa, a female of wavy hair. In 1937, born the first litter (by Leon and Dina). Starting the “Algarbiorum” saga.
Vasco Bensaude was responsible for the recovery of the Portuguese Water Dog from Portugal and began the modern history of the breed. He was responsible for his hatchery "Fausto Pereira Dos Santos", and became an expert in the formation of Portuguese water dogs.
For many years, Vasco Bensaude dedicated himself to breeding dogs but when in 1968 he felt that his end was near, delivered to Conchita Cintrón, Castelo Branco the 17 copies of Portuguese Water Dog that he had in his kennel and all his files.
Conchita Cintrón, was a brilliant person, breeder of Pointers, carried out the breeding Portuguese Water Dog in his Quinta do Indio, in Feijó, to the South of Lisbon.
Due to the tenacity and commitment to Conchita Cintrón dogs were placed in United States, where this wonderful race reached great popularity thanks to the commitment and efforts of another great personality in the history of this race, Mrs Miller Deyanne Farrell, He managed to diffuse them in America and around the world.
In 1972, In the United States, a group of breeders founded the (Portuguese Water Dog Club of America).
The Portuguese Water Dog it is a medium-sized breed, of strong Constitution, good muscular and compact body. Males have an ideal height for 54 cm., While the females measure approximately 46 cm.. The weight range from 19 until 25 kg in males and 16 and 22 kg in females.
There are two types of fur: long, wavy, with bright or short hair with hair is curly and more opaque.
The fur may be completely black, white or brown, or black or brown with white spots. The typical cut is made on the snout and the back of the body, leaving a ball of hair at the tip of the tail, It gives an appearance of a lion.
Hair grows them continually so it required to be regularly brushed and trim or cut.
The haircut of the Portuguese Water Dog can be done in two ways or styles:
The lion Court
In the Lion Court, the hindquarters, the snout, and the base of the tail they shave and the rest of the body is left in its normal length. This is the traditional cut and perhaps the most functional, given the historical importance of race as a partner of a fisherman. The lion cut reduced the initial impact and the shock with the cold water, given that performed various aquatic work. The hindquarters are afeitaban to allow easy movement of the hind legs and tail, used it as a rudder.
The Retriever cut
The Court Retriever is left 2,5 cm long in a uniform manner on the body (Although some owners prefer the part of the snout and the base of the shorter tail). This is a more recent cut and the style originated because breeders wanted to make the breed more attractive and less unusual looking for buyers..
Is considered an exceptionally intelligent animal, with an active temperament, slightly restless, but obedient. It is also very resistant to fatigue. It is an excellent swimmer, being able to dive and swim underwater to recover the lost objects.
In the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the attractions is the kennel where he was saved from extinction by Portuguese Water Dog, today known as the dog Obama, and where it still continues to grow today.
The Portuguese Water Dog he is an excellent companion, loving, independent and intelligent it is easy to train in tasks of obedience and agility skills.
Because they are working dogs, the Portuguese Water Dog, in general, he is usually always close to his master awaiting instructions and if he is -duly- trained, It is able and willing to follow orders very complex. They learn very quickly, They seem to enjoy the training, and they have a great memory for names of objects. These features and its single-layer coat, have not moved, makes an excellent dog services several such as assistance dogs for the deaf, guide dogs, Therapy Dogs.
Are very good companions for people who understand what they need, the Portuguese Water Dog it is not a dog for everyone. Due to his intelligence and the need for unity in the work, require regular intensive exercise, as well as the mental challenges. They are kind and patient, but not "couch addicts", physical inactivity and boredom can awaken destructive behaviors.
Recently, the race gained an unexpected publicity after the family of the President of United States, Barack Obama, choose a Portuguese Water Dog as a pet. The dog, called Bo, was presented to the public 14 of April 2009, due to the great interest shown by the media.
Did you know??
The Portuguese Water Dog used to be the fisherman's best friend, helping to push the fish into networks, to retrieve objects that fell to the water and to carry messages from ship to ship.
Valuations "Portuguese Water Dog"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Portuguese Water Dog" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Adaptation ⓘ
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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friendly dog ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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hair loss ⓘ
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Affection level ⓘ
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Need for exercise ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Social need ⓘ
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Home ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Toilet ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Friendly with strangers ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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barking ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Health ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Territorial ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Cat friendly ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Intelligence ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Versatility ⓘ
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Child friendly ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Surveillance ⓘ
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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joy ⓘ
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Images Portuguese Water Dog
Videos Portuguese Water Dog
- FCI CLASSIFICATION:
- Group 8: Retrievers, Hunting Lifting Dogs, Water Dogs.
- Section 3: Water Dogs. .
Federations:
Federations: FCI ⓘ, AKC ⓘ, ANKC ⓘ, CKC ⓘ, KC ⓘ, NZKC ⓘ, UKC ⓘ
FCI breed standard "Portuguese Water Dog"
Origin:
Portugal
Date of publication of the valid original standard:
04.11.2008
Use:
Fishing and retrieving assistant as well as companion dog.
General appearance:
Mesomorphic dog, subconvexilinear, with rectilinear and brachoid tendencies. Harmonic type, well proportioned, robust and well muscled. Muscle development is remarkable due to frequent swimming exercises.
important proportions:
Almost square in shape, with the length of the body approximately equal to its height at the withers. The ratio of the height at the withers to the depth of the chest is 2:1, the ratio of the length of the skull to the muzzle is 4:3.
Behavior / temperament:
This is an impetuous animal, willful, haughty, brave, sober and resistant to fatigue. His expression is severe, keen and alert gaze; has excellent eyesight and a good sense of smell. As it possesses exceptional intelligence, obeys easily and with manifest pleasure the orders of his master.
As an extraordinary swimmer and diver, this dog is the inseparable companion of fishermen, those who provide great services, not only in fishing, but also as guardian of their ships and their goods. When his master is fishing, the dog follows the prey with its eyes, and if a fish escapes (either from the net or from the hook), he throws himself into the sea, diving in if necessary, to catch it. When a net or a rope breaks, the dog catches the fish again. This dog is also used as a link between the boat and the shore, vice versa, even when the distance is considerable.
Head:
Solid and shapely strong and wide. Longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are parallel.
Cranial region:
- Skull: Seen in profile is slightly longer than the snout. Its curvature is accentuated in the back that later and the occiput is well marked. Head on, notes that the parietal are bulky and have a slight depression in the Middle. Groove can be seen on the forehead means that extends up to two thirds of the parietal. The superciliary arches are prominent.
- Depression links (Stop): The naso-frontal depression is well marked and is located towards the back of the inner corner of the eyes.
facial region:
- Truffle: Wide. The Windows open and finely Pigmented. Black copies of the same color or in black and white or white color. In brown dogs, the nose is the same color as the coat. It should never be pink-flesh.
- Snout: It is narrowest near the nose than in the base.
- Lips: Thick, especially to the front. The corner is not apparent. Mucous membranes (on the palate, under the tongue and gums) they are completely black, dark brown in brown dogs.
- Jaws/Teeth: Teeth are not apparent. The fangs are strongly developed. Scissor or pincer bite.
- Eyes: Medium size, perceptible and rounded shape, placed well separated and slightly inclined. Its color is brown or black. The eyelids have a thin skin and are bordered of black, brown in brown dogs. The conjunctiva is not apparent.
- Ears: Lightweight, heart shaped, implanted higher than the eye line. Except for a small opening in the back, the ears are well glued to the head. The tips must not protrude beyond the base of the neck.
Neck:
Straight, short, rounded, well loose and free postage. Strong muscles; No presents nor necklace, or dewlap. It forms a harmonious transition to the body.
Body:
- TopLine: Straight, level.
- Cross : It is wide, but not prominent.
- Back : Straight, short, wide and well muscled.
- Pork loin : Short and well attached to the rump.
- Rump : Well formed and very slightly tilted backwards. The legs are barely visible.
- Breast
: Broad and deep, reaching to the elbow. The ribs are long and well bulging. Large respiratory capacity.
- Belly : Reduced volume and elegant porte.
Tail:
Natural. It is thick at the base and gradually decreases until the tip; neither too high implantation, or too low; its length should not exceed the point of the Hock.
When the dog is attentive he must keep it in the shape of a circle, and the front part of it should not exceed the midline of the spine. Tail serves as a vital aid for swimming and diving.
Tips
Aplomb : They are regular. Is accepted that both front feet, as the rear, are slightly inclined toward the front in the part that lies beneath the Tarsus.
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Former members :
They are strong and straight. Allowed a slightly inclined Metacarpus.
- Shoulder : Views from the front and crosswise, the blades are well sloped and muscular well.
- Arms : Are strong and medium length. They are parallel to the midline of the body.
- Forearm : Long and well muscled.
- Carpo : Strong bones. It is wider at the front than at the side.
- Metacarpus : Long and strong.
- Front feet : They are rounded and flat. The fingers are not or too bent, not too long. Loose digital membrane, It is well developed and reaches the tip of the fingers, fine texture and is equipped with abundant hair. Fingernails must be preferably black, but white colored nails are accepted, Brown, or with stripes, according to fur color. They are slightly separated from the soil. The central pad is thick, other pads are of medium thickness.
Later members :
They are straight and muscled. A slightly inclined Hock is supported.
- Buttocks : Long and well-bulky.
- Thighs : Strong and medium length; very muscled.
- Knee : Moves parallel to the midline of the body.
- Legs : They are long and heavily muscular. They are parallel to the midline of the body, and visibly tilted forward back. Tendons and connective tissues are strongly developed.
- Hock : Strong.
- Metatarsus : Long; No Spurs.
- Rear feet : They have the same characteristics as the front ones.
Movement:
Free with short steps. The trot is lightweight and good Cadence; the Gallop is energetic.
Mantle
Fur :
Tough and abundant hair covering the entire body. There is no presence of an internal layer of hairs. There are two types of fur : one long and wavy, the other short and curly. The first variety hair is a bit shiny and soft; the second hair is shorter, well plenty, opaque and forms flat cylindrical curls. Except in the armpits and in the groin, hair covers body regularly. The hair forms a kind of squabbling over the head composed of hairs rippled in the variety of long hair and hair curly in the variety of short hair. In the variety of long hair, the hair around the ears is longer.
Color :
The hair can be multicolored or unicolor. Unicolores dogs are white, black or brown in several shades; the others are mixed black and white or Brown and white. Completely white hair is not sign of albinism, always when the truffle, the mouth and eyelids are black. In the dogs with black hair, white or black and white, the skin is slightly bluish.
When the hair grows very long, is trimmed to half of the body, as well as the one on the snout and the one on the tail, leaving only a pompom at the end of the tail..
Size and weight:
The ideal size in males is of 54 cm., but copies are accepted between 50 and 57 cm..
In the females, the size must be of 46 cm., with a minimum of 43 and a maximum of 52 cm..
WEIGHT : Of 19 to 25 kg in males. Of 16 to 22 kg in females.
Fouls:
Any deviation from the above criteria should be considered as missing and the gravity of this is considered to the degree of deviation from the standard and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.
Severe fouls :
- Head: too long, close, flat or pointed.
- Snout: too tuned or pointed.
- Eyes: clear, too much bulging or sunken.
- Ears: Incorrect insertion, too big, very short or folded.
- Tail: heavy, dropped during movement or elevated perpendicularly.
ELIMINATING fAULTS :
- Behavior: Aggressiveness or too much shyness-
- Size: Above or below the limit.
- Upper or lower prognathism.
- Too light eyes, different shaped, size and color,
- Deafness, whether it is hereditary, or acquired.
- cut tail, rudimentary birth, or lack thereof.
- Hind limbs with Spurs.
- Hair type other than the one described above.
- Color: albinism, Flesh-pink truffle, either all the truffle, or partially. Any other color than the one described in the standard.
Any dog showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified..
N.B.:
Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
Translation : IRIS Carrillo, Canophile Federation of Puerto Rico.
Technical review : Miguel Angel Martinez (Federation Cynologique Argentina).
Source:
F.C.I - International Cynological Federation
1. Water Dog, Portie, PWD (English).
2. chien d’eau, chien pêcheur portugais (French).
3. Portugiesischer Wasserhund (German).
4. Cão d’Água, Cão Pescador Português, Cão d’Água Algarvio (Portuguese).
5. Cão de agua português (español).