The Portuguese Water Dog is not just a curly-haired I-wanna-be-a-poodle dog, as you might think. It is the heart of the sea, packed into a muscular body with the intelligence of a brave navigator and the charm of a Hollywood star. It is a centuries-old tradition and the courage to fight the raging elements. When such a mutt looks at you, you want to drop everything and go to the ocean... 
Typical dreams at a temperature of 39.
The history of the Can Diagua, the Portuguese Wasserhund or water dog, is very complex and confusing. However, the moral in it is very simple: if you have a dream, strive for it with all your might.
According to one version of the origin of the breed, the Can Diagua appeared in 700 BC somewhere in the steppes of China. Here the mutts helped people herd sheep and horses, guarded property and were generally quite useful. But the ancestors of the Wasserhunds did not like such a life. At night, in the rustle of the steppe grass, they heard the surf. They had never seen the ocean, but they knew for sure that there, thousands of kilometers to the west, there was a special mission for them. 
First, water dogs reached Africa with the nomadic Berbers. Then, with the Romans and the Moorish people, they moved to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). That's when the mutts showed themselves: in 200 BC, the first mentions of "lion water dogs" appeared. 
What a horror! Why is your dog without pants?!
The breed found its calling in Portugal. The locals noticed the unusual dogs and turned them into full-fledged sailors! The dogs did the most difficult and dangerous work. And not on the deck, but in the water! They drove fish into nets, brought gear from the ocean and passed parcels from ship to ship and from ship to shore. A sort of sea dog delivery - and how else, not to dive into the water themselves! The Wasserhunds also guarded valuable boats at the pier and helped pull drowning people out of the water. They worked diligently, quickly and with pleasure, as befits real sailors. This is how the dream of shepherd dogs came true: from the endless steppes to the raging ocean. The main thing is to be true to yourself! 
Your courier's name: Good boy. Buoy delivery time: 15 minutes. Wait!
Strong muscles and a wavy thick coat help the dogs feel like a fish in water. Since ancient times, people have come up with a special lion haircut for the Can Diagua, when the head and chest remain shaggy, and the back is shaved. This helped the dogs not to freeze in cold water and to row effectively with their paws, like oars. Wasserhunds are still cut this way. Partly as a tribute to tradition, partly because these dogs still work on the water! They help fishermen and, as amateur athletes, they get equipment out of the water. 
Find some pants for the dog already!!! 
And the mutts that aren't clipped look like hippies ready to release a new indie album.
Although there was one moment in history when the Portuguese almost lost their unique dogs. In the 20th century, fishing became less popular, so the population of the breed began to rapidly decrease. However, the curly ones were noticed and the preservation of the breed was started in time. At first, it was just a small nursery and individual lovers around the country, but then the Can Diaguas came to America and off it went. 
A state-level task: pet a good dog!
The Barbos were recognized by local cynological organizations, they began to breed them, and then a couple of dogs ended up with Barack Obama and, of course, the popularity of the breed skyrocketed. In 2020, according to the American club, Portuguese Water Dogs took 49th place in the list of 195 most popular breeds. They were ahead of Samoyed Laikas, Dalmatians, St. Bernards and even Pekingese! 
Water dogs also have a white version. Does this remind you of anyone? That's right, poodles! Some cynologists believe that poodles and Portuguese water dogs had the same ancestor.
Getting a Wasserhund means being ready for an active life and constant surprises. Curly-haired dogs are brave and independent, these qualities save their lives among the waves, but can easily ruin yours. Bobik will not wait until you deign to open the cabinet with treats. Can-diagua will learn to do it himself! These dogs also hear commands with half an ear. You can’t make out anything in the splash of the waves and the noise of the port! To train a dog, a special approach is required, where you and the Wasserhund become equal comrades. 
To help your dog channel his hyperactive nature in a positive direction, dog sports are great, not just those involving water.
In addition, dog hair grows constantly, so you will have to take your pet for a haircut regularly or buy a clipper and take grooming courses. Water dogs love to run, have fun and, of course, swim. Whatever you do, you will have to have fun with them, otherwise why even get this breed?
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