First dog's father from Ambridge,Pa.

[Bravo Zulu]

Craig Rader of Ambridge shows off his Portuguese water dog, Watson, the father to President Obama's new puppy Bo.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09104/962604-57.stm

[Clio the Leo]

1. That guy looks like a Republican...

.... well he DOES!

[SunsetDreams]

2. He's probably so mad now

the poor dog is going to be neutered!!

We should start a grass roots effort quick to save the nuts!

[livvy]

3. He's a handsome one... (pic heavy) Some facts about the breed, too.

the dog, that is. Some people who live in the neighborhood behind mine have one. He/she is fun to watch in the field behind my house, and it loves the river...definitely a water breed, and full of energy! It is very responsive to its owners, though...always comes when called. I think the Obamas have made a fine choice, both in breed and breeders.

Here's a nice pic of one in full show coat:



And an alternate color and show coat (puppy):


I think someone should send the Obamas one of these to christen the grounds:


http://www.signs-up.com/product.asp?cl=11&ct=256

And finally some interesting facts about the breed. Like most breeds, prospective owners should make sure their lifestyle and personalities are a good match.

Snap out of it! Our Portuguese water dog reality check

So it’s a pretty good bet that more people will want to make the Obamas’ new pet their new family pet after all the hoopla and news coverage over Bo. You look at that cute black puffball in the rainbow lei and think, “I want one!” But hold up, wait a minute. What looks cute, awesome and placid in picture form, is actually a really energetic breed (although still cute and awesome).

So we asked an expert to give us a Portuguese water dog reality check, to talk us down from making any hasty decisions. Diane Keppen, a veteran Annapolis breeder of Portuguese Water Dogs, happily agreed to help us out.


“Many of my friends who are breeders are very concerned about the fact that this wonderful breed will go the way of the Dalmatian,” she says. “Like all the wonderful breeds that become popular, some people think ‘look at that cute little dog on TV’ … and don’t realize that this dog likes to greet you with a body slam.”

Keppen says that last part jokingly, but there is some truth to the quip.

“They are a working breed, very athletic, very high energy,” she says. “They need to work, and they need to have something to do, or they will find some thing to do, which may not be what you had in mind.”

more at the link:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2009/04/portuguese_water_dog_bo.html

[Dappleganger]

6. Do they usually just shave the butt?

I'm guessing that's a working dog coiffure.

[livvy]

7. Yup and yup. Personally, I like the puppy cut best, but I like furry furpals in general.

Couple links for you:

The lion cut
In the lion cut, the hindquarters, muzzle, and the base of the tail are shaved and the rest of the body is left full length. This cut originated with the fishing dogs of Portugal. This is the traditional cut and perhaps the most functional, given the breed's main historical significance as a fisherman's companion. The lion cut diminished the initial impact and shock of cold water when the breed jumped from the boats, as well as providing warmth to the vitals. The hindquarters were left shaved to allow easier movement of the back legs and the breed's powerful, rudder-like tail.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_Water_Dog


The existence of the Portuguese Water Dog along the Algarve on the coast of Portugal can be traced back to very remote times. Evidence exists which indicates that in pre-Christian times, the "water dog" was held to be nearly sacred, and severe penalties came to those who killed a "water dog". There are many theories surrounding the dog, but none dispute that this remarkable dog has an ancient ancestry. The first written description of the Portuguese Water Dog is dated to 1297, and concerns a monk's report of a dying sailor who had been brought out of the sea by a dog which had a "black coat of rough hair, cut to the first rib and with a tuft on the tip of his tail". Due to the historical clip still in use, many writings describe the breed as a "Lion Dog". It is said that the current day Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel are possibly ancestors of the "water dog".

In bygone times, this breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal. This well-balanced working dog was prized by the fishermen as a companion and guard dog. He lived on the working boats where he was taught to herd fish into nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as a courier from ship to ship, or ship to shore.

Tasks required the dogs to be excellent swimmers and seafarers. Dogs were capable of diving underwater to retrieve fishing gear and to prevent the escape of fish from the nets. Constant swimming and working with the fishermen accounts for the remarkable muscular development of their hindquarters. As noted in the breed standard, this dog of exceptional intelligence and loyal companionship willingly served a master well.



http://www.pwdca.org/breed/history.html

[Dappleganger]

8. Definitely prefer the B&W wavy...

I just love that stocky build, too. Nothing better than a sturdy dog.

[polichick]

10. The shaved butt look is creepy imo - hope Bo gets to keep his pants on! :)

[ClarkUSA]

4. I'm not into the Daddy Dog's "look" but I like Bo

[jberryhill]

5. Was that dog from the US? Where is the birth certificate?

I strongly suspect the dog may not be a natural born Portuguese water dog.

[Hieronymus]

9. Obviously from "Old Europe" ... it says Portuguese.....

No doubt a Socialist. :eyes: