The goals of a water trial as defined by the PWDCA are to promote an environment that encourages:

  • The development of the working attributes of the Portuguese Water Dog;
  • A strong bond between dog and owner consistent with the Portuguese Water Dog’s heritage as a working companion; and
  • The creation of a modern water work activity specifically related to the breed’s unique abilities and historical function.
Carl and Gus

The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Northern California (PWDCNC) hosts exciting Water Trials, an event that showcases the unique abilities and heritage of the Portuguese Water Dog. These trials are designed to test the skills that these dogs have been bred for, including retrieving, swimming, and working alongside humans in aquatic environments. Participants can expect a series of tasks that reflect traditional fishing activities, like delivering messages between boats, retrieving lost gear, and displaying controlled swimming patterns.

The Water Trials offer a fantastic opportunity for owners to bond with their dogs and for spectators to witness the intelligence and training of these remarkable animals. It’s not just about competition; it’s a celebration of the breed’s history and a testament to their enduring partnership with humans. Whether you’re an enthusiast of the breed, a prospective owner, or simply a dog lover, the Water Trials provide a unique and thrilling experience.

Upcoming Water Trial Trials

Water Trial Results!!!

Our October Water Trial was held on Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 at Lake Camanche. Many volunteers made the trial successful and a memorable experience for all – despite the heat!! Many thanks to our Judge, Sarah Kahn!

Following are the qualifiers for each day and class. Congratulations to all competing teams whether this was a Pass, or Not Yet!!!

Saturday Passes

Master

BEAU, Esquire’s Ripple Effect in Baypoint MXF MWD Carl or Susan Craig

FOX Fishbay’s For Fox Sake Indrive RN BCAT SWA TKN RATCH DN CWDX R Cullen or S Nicholls

Courier

TIA Cold Iron’s Thanks in Advance D Allen or R Cullen

Working

MOVADO GCHS Ch Highbidsmokesapphir Almost Frozen In Time RN CGC TKN Anne Duffy

KOLL Lookout’s When the Smoke Clears TKN Suzanne Malick

TILLER Freestyle Sail On Sailor OA MXJ OF CGC TKN Eric Cantlay

CABBY Seaisle Lady Lindy CGC George Ziemba

KAYCE Baywood’s Party Girl RN SCN SIN SEN CGC TKI FTI WWDX Judy Berger

Apprentice

EMBER Baywood N True North Burning Down the House Jenna Bullis

PIRAH Water’s Edge Final Cut CGC TKI Ally Lantis

TESS Toraq’s Queen of the Deep Blue Becky Morin

Sunday Passes

Junior

Gilligan Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF SWE SCM….Rachel Cullen

Apprentice

FIG CH Aviator’s Figaro D’Avida CGCA BN RN TKN SCN JWD Elaine RasmussenWD, handler Elaine RasmussenCH Aviator’s Figaro D’Avida CGCA BN RN TKN SCN

Working

TIANO CH Avida’s Sebastiano Del Mare CGC TN Carol Amadeo

KAYCE Baywood’s Party Girl RN SCN SIN SEN CGC TKI FTI WWDX Judy Berger

Courier

KODI Seaworthy’s Lookout Here I Come TKN Suzanne Malick

Master

BEAU, Esquire’s Ripple Effect in Baypoint MXF MWD Carl or Susan Craig

LUMMI Fishbay’s Lummi Or Leave Me Indrive RN OA NAJ OF ACT1 R Cullen or S Nicholls

Senior Water Dog Challenge

Apollo GCH CH Fog Horn Apollo BN RA TDX AWD CGC Judy Knorr

Gillligan Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF SWE SCM….Rachel Cullen

Petals Legado’s Rapsodia De Flores OA OAJ John Wilson