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PORTUGUESE WATER DOG |
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The Portie is
from the same stem as other water dogs of Europe, with the speculation
being that he arrived on the Iberian Peninsula with the Moors via northern
Africa. They have the same body and coat type as the other water dogs,
with a slightly different method of retrieving.
For centuries,
the Portuguese fishermen of the Algarve area have found these dogs to
be indispensable. Their great swimming ability and webbed feet enabled
them to take messages between boats and to aid the villagers in handling
the nets in the water, as well as "herding" the fish
into the nets. They caught any fish that escaped from the nets, and would
dive into deep water to retrieve lost articles and "men overboard."
These dogs are credited with good sight and scent, announcing a school
of fish from their place in the bow. At the end of the day, they guarded
the catch and gear and were rewarded for their chores with a meal of fish.
Sitting in the
bow during heavy fog, they served as a predecessor to the foghorn, barking
continuously to warn others of the boat's presence. Their easygoing nature
and trainability were a necessity in the tight quarters of the fishing
boats. Size differences allow them to fit comfortably into all boats,
from the smallest skiff to a larger vessel. So vital was their contribution
to the fishing villages that one was actually put on a fisherman's payroll,
and it was officially noted that anyone who harmed the Cao de Agua would
be punished.
In more modern times with radios and other conveniences, this distinct dog has been disappearing from his native working environment. In 1960, only 50 specimens were believed to can be clipped in both the traditional working retriever clip (moderately short all over) or the lion clip (trimmed short on abdomen, legs, tail and face, with the hair left long on the thorax and end of the tail). When excited or on the alert, his tail curls up over the back in a gentle curve. He is a trainable,
pleasant companion, yet athletic enough to be a retriever, obedience
worker or walking companion. Recognized in several European countries,
he was granted full AKC recognition in 1984. Famous admirers of the
breed include a real "water man," Jacques Cousteau, as well
as landlubber Raymond Burr. The Portie's coat is comparatively "non-shedding"
and is not as aggravating as some other breeds' to people suffering
from allergies. Breeders pass a word of warning to today's owners: guard
against obesity and give sufficient exercise.
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