There is something about a dog. It has this unique ability to bond with human beings in such a way that it makes the person think they are special in that they, and only they, are everything the dog has always wanted. From then on its affection is poured out without complaint or measure and this all for the reciprocal occasional caress or passing pat.

Dogs are mammals who belong to the group Carnivora or 'flesh eaters' and present-day breeds all belong to a single species, Canis Familiaris.

Dogs have been domesticated for more than 12,000 years. Apart from being just a pet, during this time, they have been used for sporting activities like the Retriever or raced like the Greyhound or used for herding animals like the Old English Sheepdog while others herd and guard goats and cattle. In more recent years of course they have been trained to sniff out illegal drugs in the world of drug trafficking.

The group of dogs which fall into the category 'working dogs' all have similar characteristics. These are that they are strong, alert, intelligent and loyal. In this group is found the Portuguese Water Dog - Cao de Agua, a most interesting animal. They came to prominence during the days when fishing was a primary activity. Fishermen all along the coast of Portugal used them on their fishing trawlers as they worked the Atlantic waters of Portugal up into the icy fishing waters off the coast of Iceland, in their hunt for cod.

The dogs were trained to keep the fish in the nets and recover broken tackle or lost nets. This meant they had to learn to swim underwater. Their webbed toes helped them with this task. Because of their prowess they were taken along on the Spanish Armada's attack on the British fleet and were used as couriers between the Armada's ships, and even from ship to shore, depending on the distance. It is thought that some of them, finding themselves in the water after the destruction of the Armada managed to swim to Ireland. Interbreeding there brought about the Irish Water Spaniels.

Apart from their webbed toes and being able to swim underwater, they have another unusual characteristic. They do not shed their coat; it grows like human hair does. It is also thick, springy and waterproof, which would have had the effect of insulating them against the cold of the Icelandic waters. A point worth noting is that this lack of coat shedding means that their presence is more tolerable to dog allergy sufferers.

They bond well with human owners and have the ability to alert their owner if an event occurs which requires attention. They bark loudly, then they go to find their master to indicate the cause of their commotion. This quirk makes them of useful assistance to a person who has a hearing difficulty. Bonding well with people and being able to communicate information means that the dog has been used in therapy sessions in hospitals and nursing homes.

As pets, their coat needs to be well brushed at least every two weeks. They also need to be exercised daily. They are even-tempered and the true breed have eyes which are consistently black. Male dogs stand between 20" and 23" high, the bitches being slightly smaller. They weigh in between 42lbs - 60lbs, and again, the bitches are slightly lighter. In recent years the breed has begun to make a comeback.

In the USA and Europe, dogs are generally regarded as pets to be cared for and whose company is enjoyed. This is not so worldwide however. In some other parts of the world, dogs are eaten for food.

This is one dog that does not need a Life Jacket, a Life Vest or a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)! However such a precaution would be sensible for other breeds of dogs especially if they are family pets out on a boat with you. Have a look at the following PFD's for dogs:

-- Extrasport Deluxe PFD
-- NRS Canine PFD
-- Ruff wear K9 Float Coat PFD
-- Big Eddy Float Coat