THE VERSATILE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
Bubbles Side Jump. photo by Phyllis Ensley
photo by Phyllis Ensley
photo by Podrigo Pinto
Spider in USAR Vest. photo by Connie Millard
Tyre Tracking
Taylor Scent Work
“The Portuguese Water Dog is spirited yet obedient, robust, and of unexaggerated, functional conformation; sure, substantially boned and muscled, and able to do a full day’s work in and out of the water. ”
An animal of spirited disposition, self- willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works. — PWDCA Standard
Portuguese coast, especially in the Algarve area, and the value attributed to the dog was beyond price. The fact that the dog was considered to be a member of the crew on the fishing boats, and his work was entitled to pay- ment equal [to that of] any other fisher- man, clearly indicates how valuable the work of the dog must have been. In effect, what was expected of the dog is quite incredible; riding the ocean surf on the prow of the boat, keeping vigil to the sea, he would signal the presence of a shoal, warn the crew of sharks, and stand ready to jump and dive into the water to help place the nets or bring in the catch. Often, he would retrieve escaping fish from the net. Among other important tasks, he was expected to swim to shore, to bring back
messages or bring in food and drinking water, and this implied swimming a great distance in heavy currents and deep, cold waters. All of this work could only be per- formed by an intelligent, athletic, and independent dog that could make deci- sions under stress and conclude his work without assistance. Several histories of the exploits of the dogs in saving the lives of fishermen who met with accidents and on the verge of drowning are told by the fish- erfolk of the Algarve. pp 31-32 Molinari, C. (1993). The Portuguese Water Dog . Por- tugal: ELO-Publicidade, Artes Graficas.) The Portuguese Water Dog is spirited yet obedient, robust, and of unexagger- ated, functional conformation; sure, sub- stantially boned and muscled, and able to do a full day’s work in and out of the water.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2021 | 315
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