and elegant as such a neck, while it could give a “pretty” appearance, is incorrect. A long neck would not have the strength needed to pull fishing nets in rough waters or retrieve small or large equipment that fell overboard while swimming against the currents to return to the boat. Likewise, a neck that is too short is also incorrect. A neck which is too short restricts the dog’s ability to breathe properly while swimming and performing its retrieval tasks. Th e Por- tuguese Water Dog’s chest must be broad and deep, reaching to the elbow, with well sprung ribs to allow for large lung capac- ity. Th eir abdomen should be held up in a graceful line exemplifying the dog’s ath- letic build. A long ribcage and short loin produce the level firm topline and broad strong back add to the athletic ability and appearance of the breed. Th e croup is well formed and only slightly inclined.
When evaluating the gait of the dog, observe the way it walks to position to extend into a trot. Th e dog should have short lively steps while walking. Th e trot on the down and back and around the ring should be forward striding and well bal- anced. Imagine an Olympic speed or distance swimmer depicted as a dog. Th at is the impression with which the proper Portu- guese Water Dog should leave you. Th e PWD coat may appear “glamorous” or “cute” but to the contrary, it is utilitarian. It is a coat of healthy, thickly planted hair that grows continually with no undercoat, mane or ru ff and requires regular bathing, clipping, combing and brushing. It read- ily sheds water to dry quickly. Th e breed is shown in two clips, the lion clip and the retriever clip; neither of which should be given preference when being judged. In the
lion clip, the muzzle and hind quarters of the dog from the last rib back are clipped very short except that the hair at the end of the tail is left full length to form a flag or plume. In the retriever clip, the entire coat is scissored or clipped to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length, giving the dog a natural appearance with a smooth unbroken line except the hair at the end of the tail is left full length to form a flag or plume. Th e coat varies from a wavy that can be quite straight with a slight sheen to a tight curly that maybe somewhat lusterless. Degrees of wavy and curly exist between the straight wavy and the tight curly. Th ere should be no prefer- ence given to either the wavy or curly coat when being judged. Th e PWD coat may be black, various shades of brown or white. It may also be combinations of black with
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