Non-sporting Breeds
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Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog
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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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