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Vol XI, Issue #3 - Autumn Edition, 2025

PWDCA Sanctioned RSPWDCAZ Water Trials!

'Join Us!'

October 22 & 23, 2025

Water Trial Host Committee will host two PWDCA sanctioned Water Trials at the Canyon Lake Marina & Campgrounds.

The trial is currently closed, but you can download the Premium list here:

https://app.perfdog.com/event/BBENLDEJruwo9iWry

Chairperson: Lauren McDermott

Secretary: John Murnane

See you there!

The 2025 Tucson Concurrent Specialty is happening!

'You Don't Want to Miss This One!'

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, AZ



• Great Judges!  Breed: Dr. Eric Liebes, Sweepstakes: Ms. Brytt Boyle
• Wonderful Trophies!
• Regular & Best of Breed Classes!
• Reserve Winners Three-Point Major Eligible!
• Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes!
• Non-Regular Veteran, Working, Stud Dog, & Brood Bitch!
• Supporting All Rally and Obedience PWD Entries at the All-Breed Show, Sunday, November 16th!
• Indoor Matted Rings!
• Free Pima County Fairgrounds Parking!
• Hospitality & So Much More!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to sponsor our event... Only with donations and sponsorships from Club members and friends of our Club make it all possible!

 
We also encourage your participation in our show with your canine friend!

Entries are now open, with a closing date of October 29th, at noon.



Event Chairs: Janis Welsh & Amy Jones

RSPWDCAZ Annual Holiday Party & Golden PWD Presentation

Mark Your Calendars!

RSPWDCAZ Holiday Party, December 7, 2025

Gail Gomez will be hosting.

More information coming soon!

RSPWDCAZ 2026 Phoenix Concurrent Specialty

SAVE THE DATE!

Phoenix Concurrent Specialty

January 31, 2026

• Sahuaro State Kennel Club at the Heart of the Desert Classic, January 30, 2026 - February 2, 2026
• Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, AZ
• Event Chair: Lynn Nelson

• November 15, 2025 at the Tucson Specialty, Pima County Fairgrounds
• December 7, 2025, Holiday Party

Elements on How to Get Started on Water Work!

By Kathy Groschupf, RSPWDCAZ Member, 'Salty Dog' Co-editor

“Water Work” is a misnomer, because it really is a sport or a game you do with your dog and like all games, playing it should be fun. Let’s break down the elements of the “Water Game” (ages 9+) and see what you need to prepare for a PWDCA sanctioned Water Trial.

1.     You will need the basic elements of the game, e.g., the primary game piece and game players. In football the game piece is a football, in golf it is a golf ball; for this game you will need a Portuguese Water Dog. It can be of any color, young or old, male or female.  If it doesn’t function well, like an under-inflated ball, do not quit playing with it right away, make it better. You and your dog can play the game solitaire, but it is more fun if you have team players and/or a coach.

2.     You will need other playing pieces of the game ‒ water trial gear and equipment. The beginning level requires only one piece ‒ a “fender”, “dummy”, or “bumper”, whatever you want to call it. The number of pieces increases with each level, so starting with just a “dummy” is an inexpensive way of finding out if you want to stay in the game.

3.     You need to know the rules of the game. You must read the free “PWDCA Water Trial Manual” from the beginning to end at least once. Decide if you like the game and want to participate with your dog. Read it again when a rule is confusing to you, or if you need reminders on how to play each level.

4.     You will need some type of clothing “uniform” and water shoes to wear that are appropriate for the game. Something that can get wet. Something that will protect your thighs when you board your dog onto the boat. Something that will protect you from the sun, wind, and rain. That’s right ‒ this game is always played outdoors regardless of weather (except lightning). A life jacket is required. Get one that is comfortable.

5.     Your dog needs something to wear, too. A harness, but nothing else during a trial. During training, however, a dog life jacket is sometimes useful to help your dog get a feel for learning a task rather than thinking about swimming.

6.     The most valuable piece of equipment to have, like Broadway or Park Place in the game of Monopoly, is a rowboat. It is very useful at all levels of play, and you will be very popular with other game players. If a boat does not fit your pocketbook or in your garage, for a platform in the water you can try using a table, a Momarsh dog stand, or a paddleboard. Just learning to row a boat will also make you very popular among players.

Next issue: How to Play Advanced Water Work

Useful Links:

Conformation is what most people think of when they hear "Dog Show." Conformation events are important for evaluating dogs for future breeding to preserve the standard of the Portuguese Water Dog. Attending a dog show is a wonderful way to learn more about the breed and to meet breeders and handlers who are dedicated to showcasing quality Portuguese Water Dogs.

Dog fanciers exhibit their dogs in dog shows to evaluate them for future potential breedings and to showcase the results of their different breeding programs.

Dogs are judged by how well they conform to the AKC's written standard, which describes the physical attributes and temperament that is ideal for the breed. Judges feel for the correct physical attributes by placing their hands on the dog, watch for the correct conformation through the dog's movements, and also watch for temperament traits while the dog is in the ring.

The number of Portuguese Water Dogs you can expect to see in the ring varies depending on the type of show, the area of the country, and the size of the show. At the PWDCA National Specialty, a show exclusively for Portuguese Water Dogs, you can expect to see hundreds of representatives of the breed; at a smaller all-breed show, you will find substantially fewer or, possibly, none. Seeing Portuguese Water Dogs competing in the show ring, with their proudly carried tails and lively movement, is an exhilarating sight.

The AKC assigns points for each breed of dog, dependent upon the number of registered dogs in that state. Dogs must earn 15 points to become a Champion (CH), and at least two of their wins must be "majors" (3 points or more). The majors must be won under different judges, and you must win under at least three different judges. In order to earn points, dogs from the classes must win either Winners Class or Best of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex, or Best of Breed. For more information, please visit the AKC website.

To become a Grand Champion (GCH), a dog must already have a CH in order to compete for a GCH. Dogs must earn 25 points with at least three majors (under three different judges), under a total of at least four different judges. Dogs must also defeat at least one other Champion of record three times. Dogs must win from the Best of Breed class and must win Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog, or Select Bitch in order to earn points towards their Grand Championship.

As a matter of fact, it is a ‘very big deal’… especially if you are an owner/handler such as myself! 

After having lived with an Old English Sheepdog, a Komondor and a couple of Pulik, a Portuguese Water Dog was the perfect breed for our lifestyle. Soon afterwards a little bundle of joy, Sia, joined our household.

Sia was bought as a ‘show quality pet’ as I had ZERO intentions of ever stepping foot into a dog show ring.

Well, that did not last long. Before Sia turned 1 year old, we entered her in a Dog Show in Henderson, NV where I ended up taking her into the conformation ring being judged by Ms. Nancy Leibes. Sia did very well, while my performance was not a total disaster, it was not my finest moment in life. 
After the judging was completed, a friend commented that my time in the ring was ‘not too bad’ to which Judge Leibes replied, ‘Well, I’m not sure I’d go that far'!

That was it, the ‘gauntlet’ had been thrown and my journey as an owner/handler began in earnest.

The Southern California PWD Club’s 2022 Specialty was my second foray into the world of dog shows. Albeit benefiting from handling classes after my first run in the ring, I still knew I had much to learn. I was speechless when Sia won ‘Best of Opposite Sex.’ I approached the judge after the competition and asked, ‘Why Sia’? He looked at me and said it was her enthusiasm (spirited disposition is a breed standard) and movement. 
With that, I was now knee-deep into being an owner/handler.

Over the next year we traveled to dog shows in California, Nevada, Arizona and

attended the 2023 PWDCA National Specialty in Oregon where Sia placed 2nd in her class. In February 2024, Sia completed the requirements for her AKC Championship title in Phoenix, AZ and was officially ‘finished’. 

She was ‘finished’… but I was far from it! 

The AKC conformation program is intended to measure how closely a dog conforms to its breed standard and ability to produce puppies that meet the standard. The AKC Grand Championship title was developed to provide additional opportunities for exhibitors to participate with dogs that have earned their Championship title.

The level of competition is elevated, the GCH requirements enhanced… and my ‘gauntlet’ took on a new meaning.

I plowed forward with more handling classes, more dog shows and to be quite honest, more work. All those efforts bore fruit in Placerville, CA where Sia earned the last two points needed to complete her GCH requirements.

Being an owner/handler in the conformation ring creates a unique bond and unison with your dog (or bitch) where the line between who’s handling who becomes blurred.

In the end, there is no monetary compensation for all your hard work and there is no reimbursement for all your expenses… but there is a only sincere satisfaction in knowing your ‘gauntlet’ has been met!

RSPWDCAZ Adventures at the 2025 PWDCA National Specialty!

In dogs, there are four common allergies, Food/Skin/Seasonal/ Acute. Each allergy has its own cause and method of treatment. This discussion will refer only to Seasonal Allergies.

A seasonal allergy may occur when your dog’s immune system overreacts to certain things which may be grass, weeds, trees, etc. This may occur and be more common during a particular season:

• Spring:    Tree pollen
• Summer: Grass pollen
• Fall:          Weed pollen

Also, mold or fungi, depending on where you live, may cause allergies year-round.

Some signs your dog may have seasonal allergies:

• Excessive itching: Scratching, licking their paws and/or body. Rubbing their face/muzzle frequently may be an indication.
• Eye Problems: Red, watery or swollen eyes also a common symptom.
• Skin: Hair loss from scratching, rashes or redness.
• Ears: Red, inflamed, smelly ears.
• Sneezing/runny nose: Similar to humans, and is one of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Things you can do to help your dog feel better:

• Limit outdoor time during high-pollen days.
• Bathe regularly with special shampoo
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy), long-term treatment.
• Medications such as antihistamines, or other treatments such as Cytopoint injections.

NOTE: Discussion with your veterinarian before any treatment is advised. A visit to your vet for advice on treatment options will result in the best way to manage allergies.

References:

• https://mclendonvet.com/news/seasonal-allergies-in-dogs-and-cats-causes-symptoms-and-relief
• https://westloopvet.com/blog/dog-allergies-chicago-il/
• https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com/post/allergic-reaction-in-dogs

The new Stud Finder tool in the HLD is now available to all Participating Members

Log in to your HLD account and click on 'Reports' in the top bar. 

If you want to see all the males whose owners have

indicated in the HLD that they are available at stud, don't fill in any

of the criteria, just go to the bottom and 'Submit Search'

The Portuguese Water Dog Foundation is excited to launch the 2025 PWD Health Survey!

We invite all Portuguese Water Dog owners—across the U.S. and around the world—to complete a survey for each PWD you have owned who was born between 2005 to the present.

• Your participation is critical to helping us better understand the current health status of PWDs and to identify any emerging concerns within the breed. The insights you share will guide important efforts to protect and improve the health of our dogs for generations to come.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes per dog.

We truly appreciate your time and commitment to the well-being of Portuguese Water Dogs.

Why Participate?

Improve Breed Health

Your responses will help identify common health concerns and inform strategies for prioritizing funding research to address them.

 Advance Research

The data you provide contributes to a global understanding of PWD health and helps identify emerging issues that we can share with researchers and veterinarians.

Make a Difference

All responses are completely anonymous and play a vital role in shaping the future health of the

breed.

Barking is a form of communication for dogs with other dogs and with us. There are many reasons your dog may bark, perhaps to express how they are feeling, -- for example excited, frustrated, bored, scared, or if they feel threatened they may bark to tell the scary thing, (or person) to go away. Being their means of communication, it is considered normal dog behavior. However, if the barking becomes excessive, it can also be a sign that something isn’t right, and if this happens it is important to address any potential underlying problem.

So, Why Do Dogs Bark?

In order to correct a barking problem, it is important that we determine the cause of the barking. Listen carefully to the bark, does it sound happy, stressed or frustrated. Try to find a pattern t the barking, for instance same time of day, only in the yard, when someone goes past your house, dogs in another yard, etc. There may be good reason for the barking, but after a few minutes it should stop. Following are some of the primary reasons a dog may be barking;

• Excitement or Play- Often higher pitched, with tail wagging & jumping.
• Alert or Alarm – Usually a short, sharp bark, used to alert you to potential   danger.
• Lonely or Left Alone, Boredom- Seeking attention.
• Territorial- A natural way for dogs to protect and alert.
• Fear, Anxiety, Frustration- Barking may be more intense with ears pinned back and tail tucked.
• Attention getting or Demanding- Used as a tool to get what they want.

In some instances, there may be a medical reason for excessive barking.

For example:

• Hearing Loss
• Pain/Discomfort
• Anxiety Disorders

If you suspect a medical problem might be the cause of barking, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make any medical determinations.

Suggestions to Manage Excessive Barking:

• Training: Teaching commands such as ‘quiet” and reinforced with treats when dog listens.
• Calming Techniques: Pheromone Diffusers, Anxiety Wraps, and Prescription Medication after discussion with Vet.
• Exercise: Provide both mental and physical exercise to wear them out a bit.
• Background Noise: Play music or leave TV on to cover outside noises.
• Blocking: Prevent fence running by blocking dogs view or only let them out when the area is calm.
• Routine: Establish routines for meals, play and exercise. This helps your dog know what is going to happen and when.
• School: Take your dog to obedience class.

Please, Do Not:      

• Yell at your dog to stop Barking. Scold or punish your dog, use positive training methods.
• Leave your dog alone for long periods of time until you have address any barking issues.

Always keep in mind, that while barking is normal, when it becomes excessive, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Learning the cause of the barking is the key to correcting the issue and having yourself a happy, mostly quiet dog.

References:

• https://hillsidecanine.com/training/
• https://northwoodveterinary.com/why-is-my-dog-barking-common-causes-and-how-to-manage-it/
• https://ivhsspca.org/barking-dog/
• https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/excessive-barking
• https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/barking

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease.

Dogs can get many of the same or similar oral diseases as are seen in people. However, the most common dental disease in people is tooth decay or cavities, whereas in dogs it is periodontal disease.

What are the signs of periodontal disease? 

• Difficulty eating or decreased appetite  
• Bad breath 
• Bleeding from the mouth 
• Swelling on the jaw or face 
• Drooling 
• Nasal discharge

Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Left untreated, the infection often spreads deeper into the tooth socket, destroying the bone. Ultimately, the tooth becomes loose and may fall out over time.

There may be other consequences of periodontal disease due to the loss of bone, including oronasal fistula (a hole from the mouth into the nose), jaw fracture, and abscessation with draining tracts that develop in the mouth, on the face, or under the chin. Some studies indicate that the bacteria from severe oral disease, which gets into the bloodstream, may also be associated with pathological changes in major organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidney.

How can it be prevented? 

Your veterinarian can perform a conscious (awake) exam of your dog’s mouth at annual visits, or more often if recommended based on your dog’s age, breed, dental health and medical history.

There is also much that can be done at home to help reduce the incidence of dental disease. 

• Brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective method of home care for preventing dental disease.  
• In addition to brushing — or if brushing isn’t possible — there are other options to help reduce plaque and tartar, including:  
• Dental diets 
• Dental chews and treats  
• Water additives, oral gels and sprays  
• Provide your dog with safe chewing options.

It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs suffer from some degree of periodontal disease. Diseases that affect the gums can cause pain and infection, in addition to causing the teeth to fall out. Periodontal disease can impact major organs like the heart or kidneys.

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is just one of the many ways to ensure your friend will have a long and healthy life.

References:

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dogs-nutrition-and-periodontal-disease
• https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/dental-disease-and-home-dental-care
• https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/brushing-your-dogs-teeth