| Dog lovers may find it interesting that the portuguese | | | | the Portie's genius were meant for other specialties. |
| water dog was already well-known in Portugal for | | | | Some suggested that the Portuguese water dog was |
| centuries, but not exactly because of its supposedly | | | | taken to Portugal by the Visisigoths, around the 15th |
| non-allergen hair. The truth is, the breed has been a | | | | century. |
| multi-talented fisherman's assistant. Trying to stir up the | | | | To be an effective PWD back then, the dog in |
| Portie's more ancient origins is really a murky affair, but | | | | question needed to be adept at the following: herding |
| it is rather close in the bloodline to other European | | | | fish into nets; message courier; functioning as a lookout; |
| water dog breeds. Some of these dogs are experts | | | | moving and retrieving nets; as well as rescuing |
| and master when it comes to waterfowl retrieval, but | | | | capsized fishermen. |