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Non-sporting Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog
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Pedigree Points
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
Height: Dog: 19½ -23 in (50-57.5cm) Bitch: 17-21 in (43-52.5cm)
Weight: Dog: 42-60 lb (19-27kg) Bitch: 35-50 lb (15.5-22.5kg)
Coat: Profuse and thick except under forelegs and thighs; either fairly long and slightly waved or shortish and compact curls; no undercoat
Color: Solid black, white, or various shades of brown; black and white or brown and white; skin bluish under black, white, and black and white
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The Portuguese Water Dog was once a familiar sight
throughout the fishing ports of the Iberian Peninsula,
and is still commonly found in the Algarve region
of Portugal. It is a fisherman's dog and undertakes
a wide variety of tasks, including guarding the catch
and retrieving fish or objects lost overboard. There
are two distinct varieties of the breed, one with a
long,, glossy, wavy coat and the other with a shorter,
thicker, curlier coat, but conformation is identical.
This intelligent, energetic dog is self-willed but
obedient to its owner, and somewhat apprehensive of
strangers. It is a superlative swimmer and diver, needs
ample exercise, and regular brushing and combing.
For exhibition, the hindquarters are clipped from
the last rib, and two-thirds of the tail are clipped.
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