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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance
Robust, well balanced, rectangular in outline, very strongly muscled on shoulders. Hard, penetrating and attentive expression.

Characteristics
Very intelligent and tremendously energetic ‘fisherman’s dog’ with great swimming and diving traits.

Temperament
Pleasant disposition, self-willed but very obedient to owner. Brave and tireless.

Head and Skull
Large, well proportioned, skull slightly longer than muzzle, well defined occiput. Muzzle tapers slightly. Forehead has central furrow for two-thirds of length of head, frontal bones prominent. Nose wide, nostrils well open. Black in black, black and white, and white dogs, liver in brown, brown and white, and brown tones.

Eyes
Medium, round, set well apart. Black or dark brown with dark eye rims.

Ears
Heart shaped, dropped, thin, set well above eye level, held close to head, except at back. Tips not below neck line.

Mouth
Scissor bite, jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws, strongly developed canines.

Neck
Short, straight, strongly muscled. Carried high, no mane or dewlap.

Forequarters
Straight, strong boned and well muscled. Shoulders muscular and well laid. Pasterns long and upright.

Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers.  Withers are wide and not prominent. Chest wide and deep, reaching to elbow. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Short, strong loin.  Moderate tuck-up. Croup only slightly inclined.

Hindquarters
Straight and very strongly muscled, well angulated, buttocks long and well curved, strong hock, metatarsals long.

Feet
Round, rather flat, toes not too long or too knuckled up. Membrane reaching to tip of toes, covered with hair. Central pads very thick.

Tail
The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed and should be medium set, thick at base and tapering, not reaching below the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail should be carried gaily, curved above the level of the topline, but not necessarily in a full curve.

Gait/Movement
Walking, lively short steps. A light trot and energetic gallop.

Coat
Profuse, covering whole body except inside the elbows and thighs. Two distinct types, both without undercoats.
(a) Hair fairly long, loosely waved with slight sheen, hair on head erect, ears well feathered.
(b) Hair short, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking lustre, head hair similar to body, hair on ears somewhat wavy.

Muzzle and entire hindquarters from the last rib clipped.  Two thirds of tail clipped from set on.

Colour
Black, white, various shades of brown, black and white, brown and white. Skin bluish under black, white, and black and white dogs.

Size
Height: dogs: 50-57 cms (191/2-221/2 ins); bitches: 43-52 cms (17-201/2 ins). Weight: dogs: 19-25 kgs (42-55 lbs); bitches: 16-22 kgs (35-48 lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - October 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

PORTUGUESE WATER DOG CLUB OF GB. Sec: Mr A Stevens. Tel No: 01772 877296

Date page created:

Categories:

Working Group 

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