Portuguese Dog Origin

Ever wondering where Portuguese Water Dogs came from?

They were originally developed from working dogs but came to Iberian Peninsula by settlers and invaders and helped Portuguese fisherman with fishing for many years. They caught fish, got items that fell overboard, carried messages from ship to ship and also guarded to fish caught and ship when at port. These dogs were considered part of the crew got a share of both the money and fish earned for the catch. After a fisherman retired, they would often have to rent out their dogs for the extra cash. Eventually technology replaced the Portuguese Water Dogs and by the 1930’s the breed was just about gone. Luckily, Vasco Bensaude (a rich shipping tycoon) was interested in the breed and went to gather other specimens to start a breeding program. In 1958, the United States got interested in this breed and imported the first pair. Then came 1972, The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed and in the early 1980’s the AKC accepted the dog. They were mainly used for companions, but also water trials, agility, therapy and assistance dog, and obedience dog.