Official U.K.C. Breed Standard.

Developed from working dogs brought by invaders and settlers to the Iberian Peninsula, the Portuguese Water Dog has aided Portuguese fisherman for many centuries. He herded and caught fish, carried messages between ships, retrieved anything that fell overboard, and guarded the catch and boats when in port. The dogs were valuable enough to be considered part of the crew and were given their share of both the fish and the money earned for the catch. Retired fisherman would often rent out their dogs to bring in some extra money. Gradually technology replaced the Portuguese Water Dog. Radios sent messages and winches pulled the nets. By the 1930's the breed was almost gone. Luckily, a wealthy shipping tycoon, Vasco Bensaude, took an interest in the Portuguese Water Dog and set out to gather fine specimens and start a breeding program. United States interest in the Portuguese Water Dog began in 1958 with the importation of the first pair. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America was formed in 1972 and the breed was accepted for AKC registration in the early 1980's. In the United States, the highly intelligent Portuguese Water Dog is primarily a companion dog, but also excels at water trials, obedience, agility, and as a therapy dog and assistance dog.

The Portuguese Water Dog Is a well-balanced, robust, well-muscled dog of medium build. Muscular development, resulting from constant swimming, is noticeable. The breed is to be shown in a natural stance, with the front legs positioned so that the feet are slightly forward of the shoulders and the hind legs are positioned approximately under the rump. Any deviations from the ideal are to be considered faults. Faults are to be penalized to the extent of the deviation and, most importantly, to the extent that the fault would reduce the dog's working ability.