Page 220 - Showsight February 2013

The PorTuguese WaTer Dog
a hanDs on aPProach
By Virginia Santoli I n its corporation document,
the first stated purpose of the
Portuguese Water Dog Club of
America is “To recognize the
Portuguese as a working water
dog that possess the appearance,
soundness, temperament, natural ability,
and personality as described in the breed
standard and to do all possible to advance
and promote the perfection of these quali-
ties in the responsible breeding of purebred
Portuguese Water Dogs.”
People are attracted to the Portu-
guese Water Dog because of its utilitarian
nature, non-shedding coat, moderate size
and overall appearance. It could be con-
sidered a Jack-of-all-Trades, but unlike the
rest of the saying, it can master many. Its
intelligence and demanding nature can be
difficult for an owner unwilling or unable
to devote enough time to exercising the
mind and body of their Portuguese Water
Dog. Being independent thinkers, Portu-
guese Water Dogs respond well to con-
sistent and positive reinforcement and to
an owner who is firm yet gentle and who
takes the lead as head of the house. They
are true working dogs but at the same time
are affectionate and playful companions
often exhibiting comic mischief in their
antics. Maintaining the link to their his-
toric duties, they are also often good watch
dogs for their homes and alert to visitors
whether expected or unexpected.
The structure as defined by the AKC
standard describes an athletic dog able to
do a day’s work with the fishermen of Por-
tugal. But this structure also allows the
breed to do well in many areas of compe-
tition. In addition to conformation titles,
Portuguese Water Dogs have attained and
continue to attained titles in the high-
est levels of Agility, Obedience, Rally-O
and Tracking competitions and of course
water work as demonstrated in the water
trials sponsored by the Portuguese Water
Dog Club of America to showcase the
breeds historic purpose. Best of all, a large
percentage of conformation Champions
also have advanced level Companion
Event and PWDCA Water Trial titles to
their credit. To attain accomplishments
in all these areas of competition, the Por-
tuguese Water Dog must be true to its
standard; a dog of balance and strength,
intelligence and drive.
In understanding the written standard,
one needs to envision the words coming to
life on land and, perhaps even more-so, in
the water. When evaluating the major char-
acteristics and fine points of the Portuguese
Water Dog, one should not only use their
eyes to see the dog; more importantly they
should use their hands to feel the dog under
their coat. An experienced groomer can
hide faults while an inexperienced groomer
216 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2013