The Portugese Water Dog is closely related to the Standard Poodle and the Barbet. The Portugese Water dog (aka. Algarvian Water Dog), is a working breed that originated in the Algarve region of Portugal (most southern region). These dogs worked the fishing boats, where their duties were as follows:

• herd fish into fishermen's nets (this I would like to see...)
• retrieve lost tackle
• retrieve broken nets
• act as ship to ship couriers
• act as ship to shore couriers

This breed of dog is built for swimming. Typical traits of Portugese Water Dogs include:

• Webbed toes for swimming
• Sturdy muscular bodies and strong bones
• Strong legs
• Highly intelligent
• Eyes are consistently black
• Coats colors: black, brown, may have bits of white
• Non-shedding, some breeders claim that they are hypoallergenic.
• Curly coats, wavy or tightly curled
• Quiet dogs, but they will vocally communicate with their owners or bark when the "den" is approached
• Obedient and Intelligent, willing and able to follow complex commands
• Easily trained in obedience and agility skills
• Strong retrieving instincts
• They may become destructive if bored.
• Excellent loving companions, enjoy being petted
• Intensely loyal to the "alpha" member of the family.
• They don't like to be left alone for extended periods of time
• Good working therapy dogs