The history of the PWD along the Algarve on the coast of Portugal can be traced back to the very remote times. Evidence exists which indicates that in pre-Christian times, the "water dog" was held to be nearly sacred, and severe penalties came to those who killed a "water dog". There are many therios surrounding the dog, but none dispute that this remarkable dog has a ancient ancestry. The first written description of the Portuguese Water Dog is dated to 1297, and concerns a monk's report of a dying sailor who had been brought out of the sea by a dog which had a "black coat and rough hair" cut to the first rib and with a tuft on the tip of his tail". Due to the historical clip still in use, many writtings describe the breed as the "lion dog". It is said that the current day Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Irish water spaniel are possibly ancestors of the "water dog".
In bygone times, this breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal. This well-balanced working dog wsa prized by the fishermen as a companion and a guard dog. He lived on the working boats where he was taught toheard fish into nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as a courier from ship, or ship to shore.
Tasks required the dogs to be excellent swimmers and seafarers. DOgs were capable of diving underwater to retrive fishing gear and to prevent escape of fish from the nets. Constant swimming and working with the fisherman accounts for the remarkable muscular development of their hindquarters. As noted in their breed standard, this dog is of exceptional intellegence and loyal companionship willingly served his master well.
In the 1930's, Vasco Bensaude, a whealthy Portuguese businessman with an interest in dogs, was intoduced to the PWD by friends. He was told of the "magnificient working Cao De Aqua" and although there were only a few dogs still working on the boats of the fisherman, he eventually acquired a dog named "Leao". "Leao" was the founding sire of the modern breed and of which the original written breed standard was based. The first litter was born on May 1, 1937, at the Algarbiorum Kennels.
Milestones of the Portuguese Water Dog:
30 years later the Portuguese Water Dog would come to America
1972 16 members founded what now exists as the PWDCA.
1981 The PWD was allowed to the misc. class in the AKC
1983 Waws allowed to show in the Working Group in the AKC
