| After owning breeds such as Chow Chow's, Rottwiellers and Cocker Spaniels, I wanted a change in breed and started to put together a list of characteristic's that I desired in a dog. After a client in my dog training school mentioned Portugese Water dogs I found my list of characteristics written in the standard! I wanted a dog that was medium sized, highly intelligent, amiable, loyal and *appropriately* energetic. I didn't want a dog that was hyper. The PWD is energetic outdoors, in play and in work but when in the house, they are a pleasant, calm companion. Non-shedding was an after thought and what I considered to be a "bonus" - but after living with these dogs and then having a "shedding" dog come to visit - non-shedding has become a must!! It is wonderful to pet them and play with them without fur flying all over the place and getting on clothes and furniture. I wanted a dog I could compete in obedience with. I also wanted to try the conformation ring. I was operating my own training school in Ottawa at the time and was looking to add to my skills and experience. At the annual Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon for the Ottawa Humane Society (for whom which I work with as the Canine Temperament Evaluator) I saw a lady with two PWD's. One handsome dog on a leash and the other, a 10 week old pup in her arms. After inquiring about the two dogs I was given the business card of Donna Wilson of Bridonport PWD's. It began with Bridonport's Designated Diver "Tiago". I acquired him at 5 months old and from the MOMENT I met him he was mine! He never left my side. His loyalty and enthusiasm to please me was immediate and I was thrilled. I competed with him in obedience as well as conformation. We also did our Canine Good Neighbour test successfully as well as competing in Rally O. Not to mention attending the national water trials each year to compete in the water. |
In the meantime I also acquired Bridonports Third Time Lucky "Fergus". He had been returned to the breeder for being "too much to handle" from a family in B.C. Although, I have to admit that my precious boy is in deed a lot to handle, he is also very driven to work and to please. He wants to be doing work all the time! He has been a joy and pleasure to work with in Water Trials. He is also Tiago's 1/2 brother (same mother). After falling in love with these two boys and learning more about breeding and conformation, I decided that I would like to begin my own breeding program. Then came Casahoya's Glamorous "Grace". I was doing extensive research on the web when I came across the Casahoya's website. I was immediately impressed with the quality of content that Ilona Griffeon of Amsterdam, Netherlands had regarding PWD's and her own breeding program. We began conversing over the web and before long, Ilona entrusted me with my oh-so precious girl, Grace. I am excited to be starting my own breeding program with Tiago and Grace. Member of the CKC, PWDCC, PWDCA |
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