Located in the Brighton area of Michigan, I have been involved in the Portuguese Water Dog for more than 30 years. Over the years I have puppies placed in homes across Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. If you are interested in learning more about the breed, I encourage you to browse my website and give me a call.

The Portuguese Water Dog, known as the “Cao de Agua” (Kown-d’ahgwa) in Portugal, is a strong, robust, medium-sized dog with a non-shedding curly or wavy coat. Either coat requires basic maintenance and regular grooming.

National Specialty AOM 2008 and 2009 CH Belouro Hunter’s Tomgirl, NA, NAJ, JWC (All Owner Handled)

 

 

This well-balanced, seafaring working dog once carried messages and retrieved broken nets and tackle.  Because of his swimming and diving abilities, he was prized by fishermen.  He also made a great companion and guard. As a watchman, the Water Dog is still protective rather than aggressive and he is cautious and sensible with strangers.

Ch. Driftwood’s “Shark” Hunter AX OAJ CWDX And his friend Cali with the pink collar

 

Superdog Hunter’s Hertie Gertie Girl (Shown Below)	Hunter’s Rapture of the Deep (Shown Below)

The robustness and high spirits of this fisherman’s dog must be understood as natural just as his retriever qualities make him “mouthy”, not intentionally destructive. The PWD needs people. He thrives as a family member and gets along with children and with household pets.

He is the family comedian and invariably competes for center stage. A complex canine, he wants love and trust and will prove himself trustworthy. He needs a daily dose of exercise and outdoors, or may provide his own indoors.

  He works willingly for positive reinforcements; harsh punishment is counterproductive. For these reasons he makes a poor kennel dog.      Being greeted by a friend’s Portuguese Water Dog is unforgettable.  As a stranger, you are likely to experience a penetrating, nearly human stare.