Portuguese Water Dog Forum:
Really wanting a PWD

Thanks so much.

for extensive information. For breeder referral, Sandra Overton :

soverton@WHIDBEY.NET

For rescue, Mary Harkins: MCHarkins@worldnet.att.net

I cannot stress enough he importance of finding a reputable hobby

breeder who has the best interest of the PWD in mind, and will help

match you with a PWD whose background is well tested for genetic ills.

Avoid breeders in any breed mass producing puppies.

Getting a puppy quickly, of a certain coat type, gender or color is NOT

important. Finding the right family companion is.

They are an active, energetic, extremely bright and creative

breed. They are NOT a dog to just lay by the fireplace and doze. This

does not mean they are constant activity in the home or "hyper" though.

A properly exercised PWD certainly can understand "thats ENOUGH, now

go lie down!" when need be. I have found that they do well in homes

with

a

Continuing on, is recommended. PWDs are remarkably well suited to

the sport of Dog Agility.

The low shedding quality that attracts many means that they need

grooming. They have a single coat of hair (most breeds are "double

coated"), that keeps on growing. It needs to be brushed and combed

regularly, and clipped periodically. How often, depends on your

desires, and the

growth rate for the individual dog. Since they shed little (but they DO

shed! ALL mammals shed, at least a little!), they are often better for

folks

with allergies than other breeds. It is suggested though, that you

spend time with adult PWDs before getting one, if you have severe

allergies.

to return a pup because of a family members allergies! Its tough for

all concerned.

There are many health issues to learn about in this breed. No more than

most breeds. We just talk about them more! You need to learn about

them, and ask breeders probing questions about health testing done on

the prospective parents. ASK to see documentation, good breeders are

NOT offended!

Expect a good breeder to ask you MANY questions. They will want to

ascertain that you are 1) appropriate for the breed, and 2) help select

a pup that will suit you. If they suggest the PWD might not be right

for you, dont be offended. Most folks end up NOT getting a PWD

locally.

There are very few breeders, and most of us dont breed often. Speaking

for

myself, I breed pretty infrequently. Breeders who breed in quantity

are not necessarily "bad", but I would ask lots of question