08/19/2026
Copied from Bruno Adelina Thompson’s original post shared by a friend!
💔 PLEASE… LET’S NOT LOSE THE PORTUGUESE WATER DOG 💔
There is something happening within the world of the Portuguese Water Dog (Cão de Água Português) that genuinely saddens me.
The increasing emergence of crossbreeding Portuguese Water Dogs with other breeds leaves me feeling deeply disappointed — and, if I’m honest, concerned about where this could ultimately lead.
The Portuguese Water Dog is not simply a collection of desirable characteristics.
It is a breed with history. Heritage. Character. Purpose. Type.
For generations, people have carefully preserved the qualities that make this remarkable breed a Portuguese Water Dog.
The coat.
The structure.
The movement.
The temperament.
The working ability.
The intelligence.
The spirit.
And that unmistakable character that makes a Portie… a Portie. 🐾
Of course, breeding decisions are personal, and I respect that everyone has the right to make their own choices.
But I also believe we have a responsibility to ask ourselves:
At what point does “improving” a breed risk changing what the breed actually is?
If we introduce other breeds whenever we want a different coat, colour, size, temperament or characteristic, are we still preserving the Portuguese Water Dog — or are we gradually creating something else?
This isn’t about attacking breeders.
It isn’t about attacking owners.
And it certainly isn’t about saying that crossbred dogs aren’t wonderful dogs.
They absolutely can be. ❤️
This is about something different.
It is about my love for a breed and my belief that its unique identity, history and heritage are worth protecting.
I fell in love with the Portuguese Water Dog because of what it already is.
I don’t want to see that uniqueness diluted in the pursuit of something new.
There are breeds that have survived for centuries because people cared enough to preserve them.
Let’s be those people.
Let’s cherish the Portuguese Water Dog.
Let’s improve health through responsible breeding, education, research and evidence.
Let’s preserve genetic diversity responsibly.
Let’s continue to breed for soundness, temperament, structure, working ability and longevity.
But above all…
❤️ Let’s remember what we’re trying to preserve.
Because once a breed’s identity has been changed beyond recognition, we cannot simply go backwards.
The Portuguese Water Dog deserves to remain a Portuguese Water Dog. 🇵🇹🐾
This comes from a place of sadness, respect and genuine love for the breed — not hostility towards those who may hold a different view.
Please 👍 if you agree and ❤️ if you strongly agree.
Feel free to share both posts to raise awareness.
