preservation breeders do to counter the anti-purebred rhetoric that has taken hold in this country? Preserving Breeds: I remind people that Bloodhounds can find lost children and put criminals behind bars. Their unique scenting ability is generally well-recognized by the public. The challenge is to convince the public that this ability is not a happy accident, but the result of managed breeding programs requiring a sufficient number of dogs to maintain a viable breeding population. Pointing to the breeding programs for service dogs (we have several successful ones in California) also helps to start a posi- tive and thoughtful conversation about the preservation of purpose-bred dogs. The AKC Veterinary Outreach Program, along with the AKC Legislative Department and AKC Canine Health Foundation, has achieved success in overcoming prejudice and misconcep- tions regarding purpose-bred dogs. Their work is ongoing and is vital to create an understanding of heath and genetics in breeding populations among veterinarians and the public, including legislators. Costs: There are few people who can afford to keep large num- bers of dogs due to space limitations and expense. The rising cost of veterinary care and competition expenses are exceeding the limits of most family finances. Dog Limits: An even greater challenge is dog limits. You cannot create or maintain a “line” of dogs with a 3-4 dog limit. People today are only going to breed the dogs they have and once the limit is reached, no new dogs can be brought in until the cur- rent dogs pass away. With these constraints, it is very difficult to interest new people into becoming true breeders.
1. The Portuguese Water Dog is an old breed that enjoys a new fan base. What is it about the breed that has sustained your interest for so long? We have bred other breeds, but PWDs are truly unique and are great family dogs because of their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. We have bred dogs that have excelled in conforma- tion and performance events around the world. We have several dogs working in service and therapy jobs. They are great with kids, other dogs, and even cats. Because they are not territorial or predatory, a PWD pup placed with a cat or another older dog will let the other pet be in charge. Because they only care about their people, their focus will be about how to be in charge of their owners. They make great family dogs for the experienced owner. A PWD is not for a rookie dog owner, not for someone who is not willing to do the work and training with a PWD, and definitely not for an absentee owner who isn’t around as much as possible. If you fail to train a PWD fully, they will be order- ing out for pizza whether you want one or not! We enjoy the community of PWD owners who have become lifelong friends and fellow breeders who work in collaboration to preserve the PWD's form and function. 2. Breeding dogs requires the vision of the artist, the curiosity of a scientist, and the commitment of a philosopher. As breeders, do you view yourselves as artists, scientists or philosophers? Maybe a combination of all three? All three. We use the PWDCA and OFA to maintain a health data base so that potential breeding can be researched. Good PWD breeders are committed to testing and to maintaining and improving the health and wellness of the breed. That requires study, diligence, and awareness of which health and disease issues exist for dogs in general and PWDs in particular. PWDs almost ceased to exist in the US, and breeders had to develop heath-testing techniques and protocols to salvage and maintain the breed. Art and philosophy follow naturally because of the love and commitment of breeders to these wonderful creatures; they are not just dogs, they are lifelong members of the fam- ily. PWD owners never give up their dogs, any more than they would give up their children. In decades of breeding PWDs, only three dogs have been returned; two for serious health issues for the owners, and one where a wife made a choice between her PWD or her new husband. (We suspect she made the wrong choice.) 3. In dogs, selection is key. How do you select your sire and dam combinations? How do you select which puppy will enjoy a career in the show ring? As we evaluate a new litter, we can begin to see differences in temperament, structure, type, and assertiveness. The great show dogs, like “Ladybug,” the top-winning female PWD of all time, have a “look at me!” attitude very early on, often at three to four weeks! Potential show dogs love attention; that the applause is for them, of course. By six weeks, the differences between pups become pretty clear; they have already begun to develop a peck- ing order. We watch how they play, who eats first, who climbs out of the pen first, and who hangs back. At seven weeks, the pups are evaluated for conformation.
WORKING GROUP HONOREE CATHY & MIKE DUGAN AVIATOR PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS
186 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2022
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