Independence Day Spotlight : Portuguese Water Dog

Election years come with palpable nerves on both sides of the aisle.  Who will be elected into office as the new President of the United States?  Every four years, the month of November comes with hope, anxiety, and exhaustion.  By the night's end, America's decision is finally known.  Let the celebration commence.  In January, the President is sworn into office.  The first day of work has arrived.

The President of the United States is surrounded with a solid support system - Cabinet and family.  Family will always be at the core.  Therefore, every sitting Chief Executive introduces new familial ways to America...including their unique canine family.

Bo and Sunny are the current "first pets" in the White House household.  Breed of choice - Portuguese Water Dog.



www.nydailynews.com
Bo is on the left
Sunny is on the right


The Fourth of July celebrates United States history.  On this July 4, 2014, Puppy Love will celebrate a unique version of history - the First Dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog

HISTORY :

• Native of Portugal
• "Excellent swimmer"
• Intent : Work with fishermen
• Catch fish, Retrieve anything falling in the water, Carry messages from ship to ship/ship to shore, Guard boats in foreign territory ... These tasks were eventually taken over by technology
• In the 1930s, the Portuguese Water Dog breed was nearing its end due to tasks no longer needed.
• Vasco Bensaude of Portugal invested in a program to save the breed
• The Portuguese Water Dog was introduced to the U.S. in 1958
• AKC registration in 1983
• Utilized as a therapy dog and assistance dog amongst many other attributes

TEMPERAMENT :

• Loyal
• Loves the water
• Humorous
• Affectionate
• Active
• Good with children
• Good with other dogs and pets
• Good-tempered
• Brave
• Intelligent
• Obedient
• Easy to train - fast to learn and understand instructions
• Consistent, calm, confident leadership from all in the family
• Good as a watchdog
• Puppies are chewers!
• Do not allow to jump on humans

PHYSCIAL TRAITS :

• Average male weight : 42 - 55 pounds
• Average female weight : 35 - 49 pound

HEALTH :

• Prone to GM-1 Storage Disease, a potentially fatal nerve disease - dogs for breeding need testing early as signs show around 6 months old

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay in an apartment with daily exercise
• Prefers activity outside with family

EXERCISE :

• Loves water activities
• Loves to run
• Best with high-energy owners

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 14 years

UNIQUE ASSET FOR OWNERS :

• Hypo-allergenic
• Little to no shedding

(Source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/portuguesewaterdog.htm)


As First Dogs, Bo and Sunny are a part of a great family.  Their owners happen to exhibit and prove confident and consistent leadership.  Their owners happen to enjoy exercise.  Their owners happen to have a decent yard.  Their owners, more importantly, happen to run on high energy.  Bo and Sunny Obama proudly represent the official canine administration.

Happy Birthday, USA

Paw five to all First Dogs and, well, all dogs!