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For five years we planned and searched for the "perfect boat dog", and in 1983, when the time was right, a Portuguese Water Dog, Camerell's Dominicao - better known as Tank - came to live with us in Southern California.
The AKC did not recognize the Portuguese Water Dog in 1983, so Tank was registered with the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America as number 1039, showing there were just over 1000 PWD's registered in the United States at that time. This was a huge number, considering the first litter of PWD's was born in the USA in June of 1971, and probably only 50 were remaining in the world in 1968.
There were so few PWDs in California that we were caught up quickly with new friends and their PWDs, doing our part to get this awesome breed accepted by the AKC. Tank was our memorable first and with him we were introduced to training, showing, and participating in conformation matches and supported entries.
The Portuguese Water Dog has Deyanne and Herb Miller of New Canaan, CT to thank for having the vision and drive to save this wonderful breed from dying out and thus making it possible for all of us to share our lives with them. Our obligation, as owners, is to guard this legacy and maintain the attributes of this marvelous breed.
In 1981, the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class and in January, 1984, the Portuguese Water Dogs were granted full recognition and permitted to compete in the AKC's Working Group.
When we decided to become breeders of PWD's, we adopted the kennel name of "High Meadow". However, that high meadow in California shortly evolved into a much lower meadow, the Chesapeake Bay, and a passion for sailing and water sports. Hence, a change to a more appropriate kennel name -- Ol' Salt Portuguese Water Dogs.
Throughout this site, you will frequently be linked to the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America and other sites on related subjects. If you are new to the breed, please do yourself a favor and follow these links. They will help complete your picture of what these wonderful dogs are all about, their noble heritage, their varied health issues, and how the breed is being guided through the 21st century by people dedicated to its healthy survival.
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