In Portugal the Water Dog is known as Cao de Agua (pronounced Kown-d'ahgwa). "dog of the water".  

Historical theory finds the Portuguese Water Dog on the development road from the central Asiatic steppes as early as 700 B.C. to the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th Century; and on to the British coastline as working crew of the ships on the Spanish Armada in 1588.

These Portuguese Water Dog seafaring working dogs carried messages between ships and ship to shore, and stood watch in the bow, barking warning of danger in the surrounding fog. In his homeland the Portuguese Water Dog thrived as courier between fishing boats.  Portuguese Water Dogs dove fearlessly into the sea to retrieve broken nets and tackle gone overboard, and was a loyal friend to the fisherman and his family.

Modern marine technology - radar, radio communications and equipment - caused the near extinction of the Portuguese Water Dog. The sturdy, medium-sized, highly intelligent canine was displaced by modern fishing methods.

In August, 1972, there were less than 25 known Portuguese Water Dogs throughout the world. The founders and members of the PWDCA united to revive the breed and secure strong, healthy foundation stock.

On June 5, 1981 when the Portugueses Water Dog was admitted to the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class more than 500 dogs lived in the United States. On January 1, 1984 the Portugueses Water Dog became eligible to compete in the AKC Working Group.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a strong, robust, medium sized, agile dog with stamina and endurance to do a full day's work. Portuguese Water Dog it should be of substantial bone and well muscled. Its head is large with a broad top skull and muzzle.

Portuguese Water Dog coat is of non-shedding and hypo-allergenic hair that continues to grow as human hair does. Portuguese Water Dogs has no undercoat. The coat can be curly or wavy. The colors are black or brown- with or without white markings or white -with or without black or brown markings.

The Portuguese Water Dog breed is a loyal, affectionate, energetic, intelligent family companion and watch dog which thrives on and demands human attention.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a complex canine that wants love and trust. It needs people, bonds readily and is loyal to its family and friends. It thrives as a family member and get on well with children and other pets. With its sense of humor it will invariably compete for center stage. In its role as watchman, the Portuguese Water Dog is alert and protective rather than aggressive and is cautious and sensible with strangers.

Allergies: The Portuguese Water Dogs non-shedding and hypo-allergenic coat makes it easier for people with allergies to live with this breed than double coated shedding breeds. It is recommended that you spend several hours at a breeders home or in a small confined area, such as a car, interacting with adult Portuguese Water Dogs in order to test your allergic response before you buy a puppy.