Welcome to Dança Portuguese Water Dogs

The intelligent Portuguese Water Dog was bred to be an all-around fisherman's helper.  This medium sized, robust-build breed was designed to think independently and to bond most closely to the captain of the ship.  Responsibilities varied from courier, to guard dog, to bringing in the nets, and everything in between; a true utilitarian breed. The Portuguese Water Dog is super-smart and 'biddable'' according to the standard; but if you know a PWD, you know they are only eager to do what it is that they feel is best.  That said, if you are on the same page, it's magic in the making!  

The Portuguese Water Dog once existed all along Portugal's coast, where it was taught to herd fish into nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as a courier from ship to ship, or ship to shore. The boats where these dogs worked were often very small and it was just the dog (the first-mate) and the captain; no doubt the human bond is an important thing with this breed!

Breed preservation is needed at every level: the passionate pet owner who talks about her dog at Starbucks or in the pick up line at school; the competitive exhibitor who wants to participate in Groups with something different; and the experienced breeder who can share decades of knowledge to help an uncommon breed become better known. The struggle is real and it deserves everyone’s best effort. We are very passionate about breed preservation.  The PWD has nearly become extinct twice and while that may no longer be a threat, we want to honor our storied history and continue to breed dogs true to standard.

We don't breed often, but when we do it's because we feel we are making a contribution to the breed, it's right for the dogs involved, the dogs in our home, and us.  If the pieces don't come together, we don't force it.  This also means that we don't keep a waiting list, but if you contact us looking for a puppy, we are always happy to help.  Our next litter won't be until 2026.  

We have been owned and loved by the most wonderful PWDs for over 20 years.  While we appreciate the robust nature of the breed, we strive to have dogs that know where their own off switch is and are willing to use it.  Sure, we want a dog that will go when we want to go, but we also want a dog that will enjoy a snuggle on the couch as well.  There are a wide range of temperaments in the breed, but for us, it's most important to have sound and healthy family members.

If you are interested in more information about the breed, our parent club is an excellent resource: PWDCA.ORG. 

While not under the Danca prefix, our  first litter was in 2011 and the first puppies under the Danca prefix were born in 2021. We didn't set out with a dream of participating in dog sports or to be a preservation breeder, but we continue to find great joy in sharing our passion for dogs with fellow dog lovers.  Our time in the ring has developed into a kind and supportive "dog show family" and our breeding focus has been dialed in on temperament. We are so grateful to all of the preservation breeders that came before us and are honored to contribute to a lasting, healthy, and sound gene pool.  We do not breed often but when we do it's is because we feel we are giving something back to the breed that has done so much for us.

We are proud that many of our puppy owners have become friends that feel like family.  It's important to us to always have time to support the PWDs that we bring into the world and their families alike.  It brings us great joy to celebrate our puppies as they make their way into the world and start making their mark. 

We always welcome inquiries, if you are interested, we would love to talk all things PWD! Our next litter is anticipated in 2026.

Health information for our PWDs is per PWDCA recommendations and is available via OFA and/or PWDCA HLD.