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A Portuguese Water Dog enjoys a romp in the surf. Whether working or playing, the breed has a natural love of water; it is one of the best water retrieving breeds in dogdom.

When one thinks of a sporty, agile retriever, rarely does the Portuguese Water Dog come to mind. Yet this delightful Portuguese breed has many outstanding retriever qualities and is an excellent water dog. The breed’s low profile is a result of its being overshadowed by some of the more recognized hunting dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. However, the breed’s low public profile has probably done it some good over the years. Since it is a relatively rare breed in many countries, it has continued to remain healthy and sound through responsible breeding programs and loyal devotees. Many of the popular breeds suffer from debilitating genetic conditions due to over-breeding practices, a fate that has not darkened the Portuguese Water Dog’s portals.

Although the exact origin of the breed remains a mystery, there are a few theories that have withstood the test of time and have been accepted by most breed historians. The Portuguese Water Dog (or some dogs very closely resembling it) definitely existed over 1,000 years ago. Some breed historians purport that the breed goes back to the eighth century, claiming that these dogs worked alongside fishermen on boats in what is now Portugal. Another theory claims that the confederation of German tribes known as the Goths brought these dogs back from the east. Consider also that the Berbers and their descendants the Moors brought the dogs to Europe via North Africa and Morocco, as one theory suggests. Some of these early dogs may have gone west to Germany and contributed to the gene pool of the Poodle. Certainly the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog share many like features, not the least of which are their uncanny intelligence and their colorful curly coats.

SWIMMING COUSINS

The Portuguese Water Dog is counted among the curly-coated water dogs who excel at retrieving. Among the related breeds are the Poodle and Barbet of France, the Irish Water Spaniel of Ireland, the Curly-Coated Retriever of the UK, the Perro de Agua (or Spanish Water Dog) of Spain, the Wetterhoun of the Netherlands and the American Water Spaniel of the US. All of these breeds share similar features, including a water-proof coat, exceptional swimming ability and uncanny intelligence.

As their name suggests, the Portuguese Water Dogs were—and continue to be—superb swimmers. In Portugal, the breed is known as the “Cão de Agua,” which translates as “dog of the water.” They were used on fishing boats and were sent to retrieve various items in what were sometimes adverse water conditions. These dogs retrieved damaged fishing nets and other fishing tackle. In addition, they also used their herding ability to gather the day’s catch in nets. Occasionally they were even used to send messages between boats or to the shoreline. Despite their usefulness, the breed was eventually replaced by modern fishing techniques and equipment, which nearly caused their extinction.

Many believe that the Newfoundland and Chesapeake Bay Retriever may have influenced the later development of the Portuguese Water Dog, as these two breeds have many of the same physical characteristics as today’s Portuguese Water Dog. Although there is no substantial evidence that these breeds were responsible for the Portuguese Water Dog’s development, many breed historians believe there is a distinct connection.

INFLUENTIAL DOGS AND BREEDERS

Most of the modern influential Portuguese Water Dog breeders and their established stock can be traced back to the early 1930s. A dog named Leao is accepted as the founding sire of the modern Portuguese Water Dog. A gentleman by the name of Vasco Bensaude from Portugal, who was a shipping tycoon, acquired Leao from an old fisherman. Leao sired seven litters and was admired for his extraordinary qualities. After watching Leao perform on the old man’s fishing vessel, Bensaude immediately fell in love with the breed.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever may have influenced the development of the Portuguese Water Dog.

CANIS LUPUS

“Grandma, what big teeth you have!” The gray wolf, a familiar figure in fairy tales and legends, has had its reputation tarnished and its population pummeled over the centuries. Yet it is the descendants of this much-feared creature to which we open our homes and hearts. Our beloved dog, Canis domesticus, derives directly from the gray wolf, a highly social canine that lives in elaborately structured packs. In the wild, the gray wolf can range from 60 to 175 pounds, standing between 25 and 40 inches in height.

The Newfoundland has been cited in the ancestry of the Portuguese Water Dog. Three Newfoundland color varieties—Landseer, black and brown—are shown here.

As his interest in the breed flourished, Bensaude developed his Algarbiorum Kennels. He would later become the secretary-general and founder of the Portuguese Water Dog Club. He would hold this position for several years and become a major influential figure in the breed.

As the years passed, Bensaude eventually resigned from his duties as club secretary-general and gradually relinquished his club responsibilities. Fearing the worst, he decided that he would need to go on an intensive search for someone who would be able to care for his dogs and kennel in case of his death. He would later meet up with Senhora Conchita Cintron de Costello Branco, a noted horsewoman, who came highly recommended from his veterinarian. After meeting with Bensaude, Cintron accepted the responsibility and agreed to tend to Bensaude’s kennel of dogs upon his death.

ORIGINS

Although a Portuguese breed, there is evidence of the PWD around the world at different points of its development. Some sources claimed that it can be traced back to 700 BC in the central Asiatic steppes and to the 8th century on the Iberian Peninsula. The breed made its way to British shores as working dogs on Spanish Armada ships in the late 1500s.

In 1967, Cintron’s promise to the Bensaude family would become a reality. Bensaude’s wife contacted Cintron and told her that her husband had passed away. True to her word, Cintron was now the proud owner of all of Bensaude’s dogs. At first, Cintron knew very little about this unique breed, but that situation soon changed.

Cintron initially inherited 14 Portuguese Water Dogs from the Algarbiorum Kennel. Evidently, she was told that the dogs were difficult to breed and that many were, in fact, infertile. How very wrong these uninformed individuals were. This was soon revealed when Cintron found herself with 90 Portuguese Water Dogs to care for! A true nightmare for any breeder, despite his or her experience. Sra. Cintron’s new kennel became known as Al-Gharb.

At the same time that Cintron acquired Bensaude’s stock, the country of Portugal was experiencing severe financial difficulties. Cintron knew that she could never find appropriate homes for all of these dogs in her own country. Therefore she decided to appeal to dog lovers in the US and wrote letters to the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, DC. In her letters, she proudly described the magnificent qualities of these precious water dogs. Apparently, Cintron must have been very convincing and persuasive in her writing.

In July 1968, Deyanne and Herbert Miller from New Canaan, Connecticut acquired a breeding pair from Cintron. This would later become the start of the Portuguese Water Dog in the US. However, before discussing the breed’s development in America, I must acknowledge a few of Portugal’s outstanding Portuguese Water Dog breeders. Dr. Cabral began his own family of dogs called the Alvalade line based on Silve’s dogs. Carla Molinari inherited these dogs in her Vale Negro Kennels. Ana Victoria Ruivo, a resident of Faro, was a successful breeder for nearly 40 years. Ruivo was a major influence in establishing the breed’s type, soundness and well-being in its native land.

A WATER-LOVER BY ANY NAME

Because of its superb qualities as a water dog, the Portuguese Water Dog had several nicknames. It was known as the “Portuguese Fishing Dog”, “Diving Dog” and “Sea Dog.” Today, the breed continues to hold on to its exceptional water skills. It’s used as an efficient hunter on both land and sea and frequently participates in sanctioned events that test the breed’s water skills in recognized water-related competitions.

MODERN ADVANCEMENTS

Developments in radar methods and the use of radio and advanced equipment nearly caused the extinction of the Portuguese Water Dog. This highly intelligent working dog was also replaced by other contemporary fishing methods, which drastically reduced its popularity.

THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG IN AMERICA

The introduction of the Portuguese Water Dog to American soil was a slow process. Like most other rare breeds that are first introduced to a particular area, it took some time for the breed to gain the respect it rightfully deserved. In 1968 Deyanne and Herbert Miller imported a bitch named Chenze, who was the first Portuguese bitch import to arrive in the US. Chenze established herself as a producer of many offspring and lived to the impressive age of 15.

Despite Chenze’s influence, many of her first offspring had some serious health problems. This made it quite difficult to find homes for her puppies and other Portuguese Water Dog litters that followed. Despite the breed’s many fine qualities, many people were unwilling to take a chance with an unfamiliar breed.

During the 1960s, when many countries, including the US, were still recovering from financial difficulties from past wars, it was hard enough to find homes for dogs of breeds that had been in the country for decades. Therefore it was nearly impossible for a rare breed that had just recently arrived to establish a stronghold and substantial following. Fortunately, there was a handful of dedicated Portuguese Water Dog fanciers that was determined to keep the breed alive and well. These individuals were committed to do their best to produce healthier and sturdier dogs. This adamant group would go on to form the first club for the breed. In 1972, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was established. Its first president would be Herbert H. Miller, Jr.

The late Helen Roosevelt was one of the first Portuguese Water Dog owners, acquiring her first dogs in 1971. Many dogs purchased during this time period were from the Portuguese Al Gharb bloodline of Sra. Cintron. This particular line would be the last to land on American soil because of the Portuguese Revolution.

Dedicated Portuguese Water Dog aficionados loved the breed so much that they helped to overcome the obstacles that the breed faced in its early days in the US to produce sound, healthy and multi-talented dogs.

Ancora do Al Gharb arrived in the US in November 1969 and was the sire of 11 American litters. Breed interest continued to grow during the 1970s when there was a significant increase in the popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog. The Albergaria, Asaumbufa and Condinho Kennels were the dominant forces in the breed at this time.

As the 1980s rolled around, individuals like Beverly Jorgensen (longtime American breeder and fancier) were producing dogs that were fit, sound and multipurpose. In 1981, the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed in the Miscellaneous Class. The Portuguese Water Dog was accepted for registration in the AKC stud book in August 1983 and, by January 1984, the breed was eligible to compete in the AKC’s Working Group. Ch. Charlie de Alvalade, “Charlie,” became the first Portuguese Water Dog to become an American champion. Charlie had many admirers and was recognized for his excellent type and form.

It’s impossible to list all of them, but some other noteworthy dogs that were responsible for the breed’s development included: Ch. Farmion Geo, UD; Ch. Timber-mist Lancar Flor de Mar, and Am. Can. Ch. Jewell De Aguas Windward Lad, CDX, Can. CD, WWD, TT, CGC, PT. To go along with these illustrious dogs were the breeders, handlers and owners who were responsible for their great accomplishments. MaryAnne Murray (Brinmar Kennel) was the first owner-handler to put a conformation championship on a Portuguese Water Dog in the US. Cathy Kalb (Camerell Kennel) made her mark on the breed by excelling in the performance arena. Many of her dogs excelled in both obedience and agility. One of her most famous dogs was Call Me Cooper, CDX, AWD, AAD, ROM. Cooper was the first dog of any breed to obtain the Agility Dog title.

Those who have gotten to know the Portuguese Water Dog and discovered all of its wonderful attributes are hooked!

The list continues with Jane Harding (Cutwater Kennel), who produced over 40 conformation champions. Steven Dostie (Downeast Kennel), William J. Trainor (Farmion Kennel), Karen and Bob Arends (Seabreeze Kennel) and Robin Zaremba (Windward Kennel) are just some of the other top-notch Portuguese Water Dog powerhouses who made their mark on the breed. Many of them continue to do so, even to the present day.

THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG IN THE UK

Upon its arrival, the Portuguese Water Dog was even less popular in England than in its early days in the US. The breed first arrived in the UK in the 1950s, and most if not all of these original imports eventually died out. It wasn’t until 1979 and 1980 that the breed was imported once again. Trish Gilpin and Paddy Holbrook O’Hara can be credited with the breed’s resurrection in the UK.

Gilpin would be responsible for importing a pair of dogs that would later start the Glenwhin line. O’Hara imported two dogs by the names of Eveil and Panta de Alvalade, which were evidently given to a woman named Miss Pat Jones, who would later start the Cartmel line. In 1984, Cartmel the Fisherman would be the first of the breed to be exhibited at Crufts in Any Variety (AV). It wasn’t until 1989 that the PWD had the first class of its own at the National Working Breeds Championship Show. By 1991, the Portuguese Water Dog had its own class at Crufts.

During the 1990s, the breed made a slow but upward spiral in popularity in the UK. A handful of British kennels have come into their own in recent years and have begun producing dogs that are of improved quality. Ruth and David Bussell (Brigantia Kennel), Cheryl Ducket (Coparit Kennel), Nigel Barrow (Elmley Kennel), Jayne Johns (Gemsons Kennel), Trish Gilpin (Glenwhin), Carol Queen (Grandways), Rachael Reddin (Rarjo), Sue Tweedie (Rysalka) and Patricia Jones (Cartmel) are some of the most respected and influential.