compare a dog's structure and temperament to this standard when they exam each dog. An unaltered dog, 6 months or older, can be entered in one of a number of different classes depending on the preference of the owner. Some owners, referred to as owner-handlers, prefer to exhibit their own dogs in the Bred by Exhibitor class, or any other class they choose, while other owners choose to use a professional handler to show their dog. Cosmic PWDs are always owner-handled.
A dog show is a good event to attend if you are interested in seeing a variety of Portuguese Water Dogs and want the opportunity to talk with a breeder, owner, or handler about the breed. You can search for a show near you at www.akc.org.
PWDCA has developed exercises that try to simulate these and other utilitarian tasks of the Portuguese Water Dog as it
served its owner on Portuguese fishing boats. Most exercises involve
retrieving, with each exercise beginning and ending with the handler
and dog team together, regardless of where the level of competition
has the team working, from land to water or off the boat.
There is nothing more moving than witnessing the Portuguese Water
Dog's natural willingness and abilitly to complete the tasks it was bred
to perform. Visit www.pwdca.org for a listing of the year's scheduled
water trials. Make arrangements to attend a regional club's water trial
to get a first hand account of the teamwork demonstrated there that
showcases the intelligence and working instincts of the Portuguese
Water Dog. You will not only leave amazed, but inspired to do your part
at preserving the breed's historical working background by teaming up with your dog and making a splash in water work.
Conformation
The breed ring is the arena where breeders and owners alike, exhibit their dogs. Here dogs are judged according to the documented standard that describes the ideal Portuguese Water Dog. Judges
Last Update:
January 21, 2022
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Agility
The dog and handler teamwork involved in the spectator sport of agility is an
exciting way to have fun with your Portuguese Water Dog. The objective of
agility is for the dog to navigate a timed obstacle
course of tunnels, jumps, a see-saw, and weave
poles along with many other obstacles, with
speed and accuracy at the direction of its
handler. Agility training provides Portuguese
Water Dogs a constructive way to release
their energy, as their handler teaches them
how under control and high spirited
simultaneously. The Portuguese Water Dog,
an extraordinary athlete with endless energy
and an eagerness to work, has proven itself
to be an excellent agility dog.
It is hard to say who enjoys the sport more,
the handler, the dog, or the crowd. Search
www.akc.org for an agility trial near you and
make plans to attend a trial. Do not be afraid.
It is not as hard as it looks and you may realize that it is better for you and your
dog to be working for that “clean run” on the course, rather than watching
others try from the outside.
Water Work
The Portuguese Water Dog has a working heritage of retrieving gear, placing nets, and carrying messages between boats and from boats to shore.
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