The origin of the Portuguese breed and its purpose, the standard of the exterior, character, health, advice on care and training, interesting facts. Purchase price. Often ignorant of dogs, people confuse the Portuguese Water Dog with the large royal poodle, especially when he is trimmed "like a lion." But the Portuguese is much older and the birth of any of the existing poodles, and the "lion" hairstyle for him was done at least eight centuries earlier.
For centuries, these energetic and excellent swimming animals have been indispensable companions to fishermen in Portugal. They were specially taught to drive fish into nets, pick up and return them to their place (if they jumped out of the boat), catch sunken torn nets and oars, baskets and other objects dropped into the water and many other wisdom necessary at sea. Fishermen appreciated their shaggy assistants not only for their numerous skills, but also for their kind, trouble-free disposition, for loyalty, for fearlessness and easy learning. Yes, and now the few owners of these amazingly cute dogs simply adore their pets.
Origin of the Portuguese Water Dog
The water (fishing) dogs of Portugal have a very ancient history and several names. In English this dog is called - "The Portugese Water Dog"; in Portuguese, his name sounds like "cao de agua" - "Cao de Agua" or "can di agua" "Kown-d'Ahgwa" (depending on the regional dialect). And the history of dogs is so ancient that it managed to acquire numerous legends that look more like fairy tales than real versions of their origin.
One of the legends says that these interesting animals appeared on the coast of Portugal in the 5th century with the arrival of the formidable conquerors of Rome - the ancient Germanic tribes of the Visigoths and Tarvingians - to the Iberian Peninsula. Another version-legend connects the first appearance of such dogs with the arrival of the Moors on the peninsula in the VIII century, who brought these water dogs with them, in turn, inheriting them from other conquerors of North Africa - the Berbers. There are also a number of versions, which make no sense to list. Probably, over time, the analysis of the animal's DNA will dot the i's. Only then will it become clear where the roots of the modern breed come from, from Asia, Africa or Europe.
In any case, the ancestors of the "can di agua" were real working animals who helped Iberian fishermen to catch their difficult catch, guard fish, search for and retrieve lost nets from the sea, and sometimes, in conditions of thick fog, helping to find the right direction to the coast.
At a later time, with the development of the sailing fleet, dogs that are not afraid of water or storm, perfectly swim and dive, in addition to fishing, were also used as messengers for sending messages from ship to ship or from ship to shore. And so it was for a very long time.
The first written mention of "can di agua" dates back to 1297, when a monk confessing a dying sailor wrote in his will that "a dog brought from the sea is inherited with a long black coat, cut off to the first rib and with a tassel at the tip of its tail." Even such a modest description of the dog's exterior evokes an association that we are talking about a poodle trimmed "under a lion". But there were no poodles at that time, but there were water dogs! However, experts say that the poodle, the Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Irish Water Spaniel descend from the Portuguese water dog.
The modern history of the breed dates back to the 20th century, in 1930, when the ship magnate, great lover and breeder of dogs Vasco Bensaude decided to thoroughly revive the can di agua population. Fishermen in Portugal at that time were going through hard times and keeping water dogs idle became a luxury for many of them. Therefore, these dogs began to disappear steadily throughout Portugal.
In order to revive the population, Vasco Bensuade took a number of measures - he founded a specialized dog breeding club and developed the first breed standards, placing the water dog in the category of "working dogs" in Portugal. Although at that time there were only a few truly working fishing dogs left in the country, helping fishermen in the sea business. And it was already extremely difficult to find a dog with an ideal exterior and working qualities. In the end, Vasco Bensuada managed to find a dog breed named Leo suitable for resuscitation. This dog, having lived for 11 years, has served to revive the aboriginal pride of Portugal.
In the UK, "cao de agua" were first introduced relatively late - in 1954. The English Kennel Club immediately entered her into the Pedigree Book, but for some reason the breed did not receive further development, and in 1957 it completely disappeared.
The first dog "can di agua" (descendant of Leo) was introduced to the USA by the American breeder Herbert Miller on July 12, 1968. Soon a friend was brought for him - a girl "water dog" named Chenze. This pair became the ancestors of all the water Portuguese dogs of North America, of which there are currently about 1 thousand individuals.
In 1972, the Portuguese Water Dog Friends Club was organized in Connecticut, USA. In 1981, the breed was officially registered with the American Kennel Club in the miscellaneous category. Since 1984, these original animals have been participating in the US Canine Championships.
Purpose and use of the Portuguese Water Dog
As mentioned above, initially the water dog was used exclusively by Portuguese fishermen for their fishing purposes. Then the dog, distinguished by good intelligence, became a reliable messenger between sailing ships. At a later time, with the advent of new fishing methods, the steam engine and the telegraph (and then the radio), many of her talents and skills, as unnecessary, were lost and have not been revived to this day.
At present, the functions of the representatives of the breed have changed significantly. They are often used as hunting gun dogs for hunting waterfowl and rabbits. But more often it is a dog, lives in families as a pet, or, no longer possessing any working qualities, is intended exclusively for participation in exhibitions.
Portuguese water dogs are very positive animals with the ability to radiate joy and humanity. They have a wonderful effect on the human psyche, helping him to cope with depression, depression and oppressed state of mind. That is why, recently, they began to be used in the centers of psychological assistance and rehabilitation in the United States and Spain.
External standard can di agua
The Water Dog is an old native breed of coastal Portugal. The appearance of the animal has changed little since the time of its first description made by a monk in the Middle Ages. A tall, handsome, proportionally built, muscular dog cannot but arouse admiration. The height at the withers of a thoroughbred dog reaches 57 centimeters, and the body weight is 25 kg. Adult bitches are slightly lower and lighter: height - up to 52 centimeters, weight - up to 22 kg.
- Head large, but in proportion to the body, wide in the skull. The frontal part and occipital protuberance are well expressed. The stop is sharply defined. The muzzle is pronounced, strong, tapering towards the nose. The nose is wide. The color of the lobe depends on the color of the coat. In animals with black, black and white and white color, the nose is black; for dogs of brown color - brown (all shades). The lips are firm, without sagging. The inside of the mouth is either completely black or with large areas of dark brown or black color. The jaws are well defined. The teeth of the "can di agua" are well developed, the canines are large. A straight or scissor bite is possible.
- Eyes oval, of medium size, set wide and slightly oblique. The color of the eyes is black, dark brown or brown (depending on the color and shade of the coat). The look is very clever, insightful.
- Ears set high, symmetrical, drooping, not too long, heart-shaped.
- Neck short, muscular, straight, set on high.
- Torso the water dog from Portugal is elongated, strong, stately, with a broad chest and a taut belly. The back is broad, muscular, with a straight line. The loin is short, turning into a strong and slightly sloping croup.
- Tail, set low, medium in length (slightly below the hock), richly covered with fur. When cutting "under the lion" - the hair on the tail is trimmed short or completely bare tail, but in any of the options - with a "lion" brush at the end.
- Limbs straight, very muscular, medium or slightly longer in length. The toes, which have thin membranes, are neatly brought together. Paws are round in shape and somewhat flat. There may be dewclaws on the forelimbs, which must be removed to participate in championships.
- Color. The standards allow black, white and brown (all tones and shades) coat colors, as well as combinations of brown and black with white. A pure white coat must be combined with a black nose, black lips and eyelids. Otherwise, the dog is considered albino and will not be admitted to the championship.
As for the coat, the “can di agua” has two types of coat: wavy and curly:
- The wavy version of the water dog has thick, long, shiny and durable fur that gently falls in waves throughout the dog's body.
- Curly version - the fur is dense, thick, has clear, dense to the touch, cylindrical curls throughout the body of the animal, of a rather tough quality. At the same time, wavy long hair without curls is possible on the ears.
"Can di agua" is often cut "under the lion", leaving also the hair of the forelegs intact (and this is their difference from the grooming of poodles). The second (back) half of the body is cut very short (only a brush on the tail remains), which makes the dog absolutely unlike anyone else.
Water dog personality
"Water Portuguese" has a wonderful cheerful, friendly and sociable character. Combines excellent working qualities and hunting talents. An unusually playful and agile dog.
When starting a can di agua, you need to understand that this is a very energetic animal that requires a lot of space for its full-fledged content and games. Therefore, the water dog feels best in a fairly large and fenced yard of a country house, and not in a closed and limited room in a city apartment. Constantly needs physical activity and can be an excellent partner for a person in the morning jogging. With pleasure he overcomes barriers and various obstacles, runs along a log and a bridge.
This breed is optimal for people leading an active lifestyle, often leaving for nature: hunters, fishermen, tourists and athletes.
The Water Portuguese is a very active, inquisitive dog that loves to run, jump, dive and swim. She has an excellent sense of smell, hearing and vision, which allows her to be a wonderful hunter. Extremely hardy, both running and swimming.
Not aggressive, but able to stand up for herself (fangs and sizes are quite consistent). To some extent jealous, does not like to share the owner's attention with anyone else. But excesses with other dogs are extremely rare - dogs "can di agua" are extremely intelligent and well-mannered (these are their innate qualities).
This is a wonderful and loyal friend, trying to be a good helper in all the owner's affairs. Possessing amazing quick-wittedness and extraordinary intelligence, these pets constantly surprise their owners with their resourcefulness and artistry of performing some tricks.
Undoubtedly, the Portuguese Water Dog is one of the cutest and smartest pets, conquering people for centuries with its loyalty, fearlessness and hard work.
Health can di agua
An ancient native dog of Portugal, the can di agua has excellent health and a remarkably strong immune system, making it easy to overcome modern infections. Nature itself has carried out natural centuries-old selection of the species, selecting only the most viable and strong animals.
The only problem with the Water Dog is hip dysplasia (although not as common as in other dogs).
The average life expectancy is about 14 years.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Tips
Grooming for the can di agua coat is almost similar to standard grooming for a poodle or black Russian terrier. The same regular brushing, bathing and haircut. Is that the "lion" haircut differs in that on the front paws of the water dog the hair is left completely "as is" or slightly refined, in contrast to the haircut of the poodle, where the front legs of the animal are also "bare".
Well, there are no problems at all with bathing "can di agua". They are ready to swim, dive and swim anywhere, anytime, and for as long as they want.
The dog is unpretentious in food, but its energetic disposition and active lifestyle, of course, requires an increased amount of calories in the diet. The diet itself must be well balanced, contain all vitamins and minerals, feed additives to improve the quality of wool and the general tone of the body.
The nuances of training the Portuguese Water Dog
Excellent working qualities of these amazing creatures have been known for a long time. It was the ease in teaching commands and various actions that predetermined the fate of these dogs in the past.
Inborn intelligence, comprehension and obedience allow even a non-professional or a person raising a dog for the first time to achieve the desired results from "can di agua". It is important to consider only a few factors:
- these dogs choose only one master for themselves, to whom they obey unquestioningly;
- they are very smart, quickly “grasp” everything and do not need punishment at all;
- being unjustly punished, the dog is offended and begins to show character, stubbornness, or even may even run away;
- at the same time, the dog does not like unnecessary "lisping", but requires respect for itself and understands clear and clear commands;
- loves praise and will never refuse tasty encouragement;
- dislikes muzzle, collar and leash.
In 1975, the Portuguese Water Dog entered the Guinness Book of Records as the most rare breed.
Price when buying a Portuguese Water Dog puppy
Dog "can di agua" nowadays belongs to the less common breeds of dogs in the world. In the United States, no more than one thousand specimens are registered, and about a thousand specimens will also be typed throughout "old Europe".
Most recently, this animal was brought to Russia, where it gradually began to gain popularity among hunters and connoisseurs of rare dogs. Excellent working qualities of water dogs attracted the most serious attention of the inhabitants of the Urals and Siberia. In the nurseries of Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Perm and Yekaterinburg, now there are almost more Portuguese women than in the capital cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The average price of a thoroughbred puppy in Russia is in the range of 45–95 thousand rubles.
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