Portuguese Water Dog

Originally from Portugal, this is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. For centuries, he flushed out shoals of sardines, carried messages from one boat to another, defied the ocean and retrieved nets after fishing.

He worked for a long time on fishing boats, being part of the crew the same way as Portuguese seamen. To make him more efficient in his work, he was then shaved on his hindquarters and muzzle so that he was more comfortable catching objects and fish, and to make him lighter in the water.

The Portuguese Water Dog is also believed to be the origin of several other breeds. He is said to have contributed, among other things, to the characteristics of the German Pointing Dog, Lagotto Romagnolo, Poodle and French Barbet. Some of his genetics can therefore be found in all of these dog breeds.

He was introduced in Portugal in the 5th century by the Visigoths, and the indigenous race developed thereafter. At the time of fishing, he was used mainly along the country's coastline, but modernisation at the beginning of the 20th century made him lose his role of seaman and he slowly began to disappear.

Officially recognized in 1984 by the American Kennel Club, the breed is now mainly found in the southern part of the country, more precisely in Algarve.

His character and physical qualities deserve to be known, but his numbers are considerably reduced nowadays.

The most famous specimen today is known since April 2009, when the American presidential couple Michelle and Barack Obama opted for a Portuguese Water Dog named "Bo" which became the brand new First domestic Dog of the Obama family, and especially the daughters' pet of the famous American presidential couple.

The Obamas chose this breed because one of their daughters was allergic to dog hair. The Portuguese Water Dog, with his particular coat, was therefore perfectly suited.