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PORTUGUESE WATERDOGS
PWD is a strong swimmer and diver, the Portuguese Water Dog
once was numerous all along Portugal's coast where it worked
with fishermen to get the fish into nets, retrieving gear
from the water and carrying messages from boat to boat or
boat to shore I t is known in Portugal as the Cao de Agua
or "dog of the water". There is strong evidence
that the PWD is related to the Poodle and Irish Water Spaniel.
The breed was utilized in Portugal for several centuries but
in the early 1900's when fishing vanished from the coastline,
the breed quickly declined in numbers. In the 1930's a wealthy
Portuguese shipping magnate and dog fancier took it upon himself
to save the breed from extinction. The breed club was re-organized,
a standard was written and the breed was classified by the
kennel club of that country. In that time the breed was exported
to other countries and first made its appearance in rare breed
shows in the U. S. in the 1970's
PWD is exceptionally intelligent and a loyal companion, the
PWD immediately impressed North Americans with its willingness
to turn stellar performances in obedience trials. The breed
possesses a spirited disposition and is both brave and self-willed..
It has limitless stamina.
The ideal height is 22 in(56cm) at the withers for males
and 19 in (48cm) for females. Look for males to tip the scales
at 42-60lb's(19-27kgs) while females will weigh from 35-50
lb's(16-22.5kg)
PWD are black, white and various shades of brown. It also
may be combinations of black or brown with white and come
in curly or wavy coat. They are NON- SHEDDING, NON- ALLERGENIC!!!!!
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