Portuguese Water Dog Water Training Workshop

on the beach at Sorrento Centre

The Portuguese Water Dog is a working breed with a long history as a crew member on Portuguese fishing vessels. The dogs were responsible for carrying messages between boats and to shore, retrieving anything that went overboard, setting floats and guarding gear and boats in port. The natural working ability, adaptability and intelligence of the breed were demonstrated by the efficiency with which these complex tasks were completed. They were an invaluable members of the Portuguese fisherman’s team.

The Portuguese Water Dog today still retains these qualities – an affinity for swimming, strong retrieving abilities and an intensity in performing the task at hand. In 1990 the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America completed the development of a series of water work exercises to demonstrate these natural qualities and instincts.

If you have a Pure Bred Portuguese Water Dog and would like to sign up for the workshop watch for information on the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada website under events. 

Did you know…

The Portuguese water dog is called ‘cau de agua’ in the Portuguese language which stands for the dog of water. Other names include the Algarvian water dog and the Portuguese fishing dog.