A Portuguese Water Dog Could Be Your Next Best Friend

2. Breed History

It is believed that Portiesare a distant relative of the Poodle and was bred to drive fish into nets, swim from one fishing boat to another, and collect gear that had fallen into the water. While the breed once helped fishermen from the coast of Portugal to Newfoundland, it nearly disappeared in the early 20th century. A wealthy dog lover stepped in to save the breed, and they soon made their way to the United States and England. Portuguese Water Dogs were recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 1983.