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.
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.
Make Some Magic!
2026 PWDCNC Water Trial is now open!
Entries close September 10, 2026
Entries are limited, enter early!
Lake Camanche, North Shore
Primitive Campsite
Saturday and Sunday, September 26 – 27
Please enter at perfdog.com
Premium List is HERE
Address: Lake Camanche Recreation North Shore
2000 Camanche Road
Ione, CA 95640 866-763-5121
Link to Water Trial Entries, Dinner and Extras Payment form
Camping at Lake Camanche
The trial will be held at the Primitive site. Camping is available at Primitive sites, Blue Oaks, and Rabbit Creek. There are also Cottages available to rent. The booking website is golakecamanche.com. When booking, please mention that you are with the PWDCNC water trial.
Wednesday & Thursday water practices ($7.00/dog) will be available at the trial site. Please sign up at supersaas. If all practice slots are full, don’t worry, join the waitlist and we will make sure you get the time you need. There is a fee to enter Lake Camanche Recreation Area.
Friday water practice slots will be 10 minutes and cost $10.00. Cash or zelle payment to be made at trial site. They will be first come, first served. There will be a signup board at the practice site starting at 9:00 am. Practices end at 5:00 pm. Bring your stewards and rowers! There is a fee to enter Lake Camanche Recreation Area.
Senior Water Dog Challenge 
The Senior water dog challenge is a special opportunity to celebrate our older dogs! This is for non-competing dogs who are over 8 years old. They can do up to 4 water dog trial exercises of their choice. Handlers will be allowed to use treat/toy rewards and Seniors can wear life jackets.
A special prize will be presented. Go to the Water Trial Entries, Dinner and Extras Payment Form to sign up.
2026 Magic Duckie Derby 
Always a trial favorite, you will receive 1 duckie in your welcome bag. A $5.00 donation is required to float your duckie. Write your name on the bottom and when they are released in the lake if a PWD retrieves your duckie, a cash prize will be awarded. Prizes will be for 1st,2nd & 3rd.
If you want more chances, you may order extra duckies ($5.00 donation) on the extra signup form. There may be a limited number of extra duckies available for visitors to purchase at the trial. Go to the Water Trial Entries, Dinner and Extras Payment Form to sign up.
Volunteers are needed!
Please fill out the volunteer position form section of the Extras form. We will place you in a role that matches your skills but doesn’t conflict with your classes. Of course, everyone can pitch in, particularly at take down after the trial finishes. If you have a special job you like, please let us know.
Go to the Water Trial Entries, Dinner and Extras Payment Form to sign up.
Breakfast
Good Morning! At 8:30 am we will have complimentary Starbucks coffee available. Also, there will be a selection of fruit, granola bars and baked goods available.
Lunches
There are no food services in the local area of the trial. We will have available for pre-purchase ($5.00/lunch) sandwiches (Ham, Turkey and Vegetarian or similar selection) potato chips, cookies and water.
Go to the Water Trial Entries, Dinner and Extras Payment Form to sign up.
Pot Luck Chili Dinner 
Saturday September 26 we will have a Pot Luck Chili dinner at the trial site. If you are able, please bring a side or dessert to share. This is free for everyone. There will be meat chili and a vegetarian chili and corn bread.
Questions:
Please contact Kathy Souza at pwdlover@pacbell.com 530-219-3065
Or Janis Welsh at janis@ahpmllc.com 408-564-1290
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.
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 2026
Please see information in the Premium List – link below and fill out the Water Trial, Extras and Special Events Form here to order lunches, duckies for the Ducky Derby and so on.
PWDCNC WATER TRIAL
September 25 @ 8:00 am - September 27 @ 5:00 pm
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