Portuguese Water Dog Breed Standards
Comparison Chart

History / Origin and Purpose:	CKC: For centuries, this seafaring breed existed everywhere along the coast of Portugal and is considered a purely Portuguese breed. Owing to modifications in the fishing systems used, the breed has become restricted to the province of Algarve which should be considered its home. It was prized by fishermen for its spirited yet obedient nature and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day?s work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina. He aided his master at sea by retrieving gear and broken nets, herding schools of fish and carrying messages between boats and to the shore. AKC: (As indicated under the "General Appearance section of the AKC Standard.) Known for centuries along Portugal's coast, this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. UKC: Curly- and wavy-haired working water dogs have been documented throughout Europe for centuries and are believed to have influenced the development of several breeds of dogs, including the Newfoundland and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Portuguese Water Dog has a long history of use in its homeland, where it was, and still is, a vital part of the fishing industry. Prized by their owners, the dogs are primarily used to herd fish into nets. Other duties include taking messages from boat to boat and retrieving escaping fish and lost objects. The Portuguese Water Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1987. KC: (Not Indicated in Standard.) FCI: ORIGIN : Portugal. DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 09.12.1966. UTILIZATION A swimmer and diver of quite exceptional qualities and stamina, this dog is the inseparable companion of the fishermen to whom it is of great utility not only during fishing but also as a guard to defend their boats and property. Whilst his master is fishing the dog is attentive and, should a fish escape (from hook or net), jumps, voluntarily, into the sea to retrieve it, diving under water if necessary. It also swims out to retrieve any broken net or loose hawser. These animals are also employed as liaison between boat and shore or vice-versa, even when the distance is considerable. CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. Group 8 Retrievers-Flushing Dogs- Water Dogs. Section 3 Water Dogs. Without working trial. BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY In bygone times this breed existed everywhere along the coasts of Portugal. Today, owing to modifications in the fishing systems used, the breed has become restricted practically to the province of Algarve which should now be considered its home. The presence of these dogs along the Portuguese coasts can be traced back to very remote times and entitles them to be regarded as a purely Portuguese breed.
General Appearance:	CKC: The Portuguese Water Dog is defined by his job. He has a hard, penetrating and attentive expression, splendid sight and a fair nose. Slightly longer than tall, he is a medium-sized, sturdy, athletic swimming dog with webbed feet, short neck, and a wavy or curly coat to protect him from the elements, whether in the water or on land. From his impressive head with piercing gaze through a rugged body to his powerful tail carried up in a ring with its characteristic flowing flag, he presents an indelible impression of strength, spirit and soundness. AKC: Known for centuries along Portugal's coast, this seafaring breed was prized by fishermen for a spirited, yet obedient nature, and a robust, medium build that allowed for a full day's work in and out of the water. The Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability and stamina, who aided his master at sea by retrieving broken nets, herding schools of fish, and carrying messages between boats and to shore. He is a loyal companion and alert guard. This highly intelligent utilitarian breed is distinguished by two coat types, either curly or wavy; an impressive head of considerable breadth and well proportioned mass; a ruggedly built, well-knit body; and a powerful, thickly based tail, carried gallantly or used purposefully as a rudder. The Portuguese Water Dog provides an indelible impression of strength, spirit, and soundness. UKC: The Portuguese Water Dog Is a well-balanced, robust, well-muscled dog of medium build. Muscular development, resulting from constant swimming, is noticeable. The breed is to be shown in a natural stance, with the front legs positioned so that the feet are slightly forward of the shoulders and the hind legs are positioned approximately under the rump. Any deviations from the ideal are to be considered faults. Faults are to be penalized to the extent of the deviation and, most importantly, to the extent that the fault would reduce the dog's working ability. KC: Robust, well balanced, rectangular in outline, very strongly muscled on shoulders. Hard, penetrating and attentive expression. FCI: Dog of medium proportions, outline slightly convex with a tendency to rectilinear, braccoid type. Mediolinear type, well balanced, robust and well muscled. The muscular development due to constant swimming is noticeable.
Temperament / Characteristics:	(All Standards describe the temperament and characteristics of the PWD in a similar manner, using different wording.) CKC: An animal of spirited disposition he is self-willed, brave and very resistant to fatigue. Exceptionally intelligent and a loyal companion, he does his job with facility and obvious pleasure. AKC: Temperament An animal of spirited disposition, self-willed, brave, and very resistant to fatigue. A dog of exceptional intelligence and a loyal companion, it obeys its master with facility and apparent pleasure. It is obedient with those who look after it or with those for whom it works. Summary Statement The Portuguese Water Dog is spirited yet obedient, robust, and of unexaggerated, functional conformation; sure, substantially boned and muscled, and able to do a full day's work in and out of the water. UKC: The Portuguese Water Dog is one of exceptional intelligence and trainability, obeying any orders given by Its master with willingness and pleasure. It is obedient both to those who care for it and for whom it works. It has a spirited disposition, is brave and independent, and resistant to fatigue. Its expression is hard and penetrating. They have splendid sight and a fair scenting capability. KC: Characteristics: Very intelligent and tremendously energetic "fisherman’s dog" with great swimming and diving traits. Temperament: Pleasant disposition, self-willed but very obedient to owner. Brave and tireless. FCI: An animal with an impetuous disposition, self-willed, brave, quarrelsome, unassuming and very resistant to fatigue. It has a hard, penetrating and attentive expression, as well as splendid visual and remarkable olfactory faculties. A dog of exceptional intelligence; docile and obedient with apparent pleasure to any order given by its master.
Size:	Note difference in height between the Standards — The CKC, KC, and FCI Standards indicate the same height requirements while the AKC and UKC Standards show a slightly taller dog, both male and female. Weight is the same for all Standards shown.) CKC: Height Males between 19.5 inches and 22.5 inches (50-57 cm) the ideal being 21.5 inches (54 cm) Females between 16.5 inches and 20.5 inches (43-52 cm) the ideal being 18 inches (46cm) Weight Males between 42 and 60 pounds (19-25 kilos) Females between 35 and 50 pounds (16-22 kilos) AKC: Size, Proportion, Substance Size--Height at the withers--Males, 20 to 23 inches. The ideal is 22 inches. Females, 17 to 21 inches. The ideal is 19 inches. Weight--For males, 42 to 60 pounds; for females, 35 to 50 pounds. Proportion--Off square; slightly longer than tall when measured from prosternum to rearmost point of the buttocks, and from withers to ground. Substance--Strong, substantial bone; well developed, neither refined nor coarse, and a solidly built, muscular body. UKC: Height ranges are as follows: males, between 20 and 23 inches; bitches, between 17 and 21 inches. Weight ranges are as follows: males, between 42 and 60 pounds; bitches, between 35 and 50 pounds. KC: Height: dogs: 50-57 cms (19½-22½ ins); bitches: 43-52 cms (17-20½ ins). Weight: dogs: 19-25 kgs (42-55 lbs); bitches: 16-22 kgs (35-48 lbs). FCI: Height at the withers : Males : between 50 - 57 cm the ideal size being 54 cm. Females : between 43 - 52 cm, the ideal size being 46 cm. Weight : For a male : 19 - 25 kg. For a female : 16 - 22 kg.
Coat and Colour:	(Same for all Standards with different wording used.) CKC: Profuse coat, of strong hair, covering the whole body evenly, except for the under-arms and groin where it is thinner. There are two varieties of coat: The hair is fairly long, wavy, rather loose with a slight sheen. The hair on the top of the head is upright and that on the ears decidedly longer than the leather. The hair is shorter, forms compact cylindrical curls, thickly planted and somewhat lusterless. On the top of the head the hair is similar to that of the rest of the coat. Whereas that on the ears is sometimes wavy. Colours Black, white, and various tones of brown; also combinations of black or brown with white. A white coat does not imply albinism provided nose, mouth, and eyelids are black. In animals with black, white, or black and white coats, the skin is decidedly bluish. Lion Clip The middle part and hind quarters, as well as the muzzle, must be clipped. The rest of the coat must be left long. The hair on the end of the tail must be left at full length. Retriever Clip The entire coat is scissored or clipped to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short blanket of coat appearing no more than one inch in length. The hair on the end of the tail must be left at full length. Hair on the ears is trimmed to the leathers. No discrimination will be made against the correct presentation of a dog in either Lion Clip or Retriever Clip. AKC: Coat A profuse, thickly planted coat of strong, healthy hair, covering the whole body evenly, except where the forearm meets the brisket and in the groin area, where it is thinner. No undercoat, mane or ruff. There are two varieties of coat: Curly--Compact, cylindrical curls, somewhat lusterless. The hair on the ears is sometimes wavy. Wavy--Falling gently in waves, not curls, and with a slight sheen. No preference will be given to coat type, either curly or wavy. Clip Two clips are acceptable: Lion Clip--As soon as the coat grows long, the middle part and hindquarters, as well as the muzzle, are clipped. The hair at the end of the tail is left at full length. Retriever Clip--In order to give a natural appearance and a smooth unbroken line, the entire coat is scissored or clipped to follow the outline of the dog, leaving a short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length. The hair at the end of the tail is left at full length. No discrimination will be made against the correct presentation of a dog in either Lion Clip or Retriever Clip. Color Black, white, and various tones of brown; also combinations of black or brown with white. A white coat does not imply albinism provided nose, mouth, and eyelids are black. In animals with black, white, or black and white coats, the skin is decidedly bluish. UKC: Coat The breed is single-coated and has no mane or ruff. The profuse single coat is made up of strong hair that covers the whole body evenly. It is thinner where the forearm meets the brisket and on the groin. There are two acceptable coat varieties: Wavy and Curly. The Wavy coat is fairly long and rather loose, with a slight sheen. The hair on the top of the head is upright. The hair on the ears is decidedly longer than the ear leather. The hair of the Curly coat forms compact cylindrical curls that are thickly planted and are somewhat lustrous. The hair on the top of the head is similar to the hair on the body. The hair on the ears is somewhat wavy. Two clips are acceptable: Lion Clip and Working Retriever Clip. LION CLIP -- As soon as the hair grows long, the middle part, hindquarters and muzzle are clipped. The hair at the end of the tail is left at full length. WORKING RETRIEVER CLIP -- This clip gives a more natural appearance as well as a smooth, unbroken line. The entire coat is scissored or clipped, following the outline of the dog. A short blanket of coat, no longer than one inch in length, is left. That hair at the end of the tail is left at full length. Color Acceptable coat colors include: black; white; various shades of brown; and combinations of black or brown with white. The nose, mouth and eyelid pigment must be black in a white dog. The skin is decidedly bluish in dogs with black, white, or black and white coats. KC: Coat: Profuse, covering whole body except under forelegs and thigh. Two distinct types, both without undercoats. (a) Hair fairly long, loosely waved with slight sheen, hair on head erect, ears well feathered. (b) Hair short, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking lustre, head hair similar to body, hair on ears somewhat wavy. Colour: Black, white, various shades of brown, black and white, brown and white. Skin bluish under black, white, and black and white dogs. Entire hindquarters clipped from the last rib, tail clipped two-thirds, one-third left long. FCI: HAIR : The whole body is profusely covered with a resistant coat. There is no undercoat. There are two varieties of coat : wavy long hair and short curly hair. In the first variety the long hair is rather soft with a slight lustre; in the second the shorter hair is dense, lustreless and forms compact cylindrical curls. Except for the armpits and the groins, the hair covers the whole body evenly. On the top of the head there is a topknot of wavy hair in the long-haired variety and of curly hair in the short-haired. In the long-haired variety, the hair of the ears is decidedly longer. COLOUR : Either self-colour or combinations. Self-colours are black, white or brown in various shades of brown; combinations are black or brown with white. A white coat does not imply albinism provided nose, mouth and eyelids are black. In animals with black, white, or black and white coats the skin is slightly bluish. It is a specific feature for this breed that as soon as the coat grows very long, the middle part and hindquarters of these dogs, as well as the muzzle and the tail are clipped. At the end of the tail the hair is left at full length in the shape of a plume.
Head:	CKC: Head: Well proportioned and massive. Skull: Seen in profile it is slightly longer than the muzzle, its curvature more accentuated at the back than in front and it possesses a well defined occiput. From the front the parietal bones are seen to be dome-shaped and to have a slight depression in the middle. The forehead has a central furrow for two thirds of the length of the parietals and the frontal bones are prominent. Muzzle: Is narrower at the nose than at its base. The stop, which is well defined, is slightly further back the inner corner of the eyes. Nose: Wide. Nostrils well open and finely pigmented. Black, in animals with black, black and white or white coats. In browns the nose is of the same colour as the coat. Lips: Thick, especially in front. Inner corner of lips not apparent. Mucous membrane (roof of mouth, under the tongue and gums) well ticked with black or quite black. Jaws: Strong and neither over nor undershot. Teeth: Not apparent. Canines strongly developed. Eyes: Medium sized, set well apart and a bit obliquely, roundish and neither prominent nor sunken. Brown or black in colour. The eyelids, which are of fine texture have black edges. No haw. Ears Leather heart-shaped, thin in texture and set well above the line of the eyes. Except for a small opening at the back, the ears are held nicely against the head. The tips should not reach below the beginning of the neck. AKC: Head An essential characteristic; distinctively large, well proportioned and with exceptional breadth of topskull. Expression--Steady, penetrating, and attentive. Eyes-- Medium in size; set well apart, and a bit obliquely. Roundish and neither prominent nor sunken. Black or various tones of brown in color. Darker eyes are preferred. Eye rims fully pigmented with black edges in black, black and white, or white dogs; brown edges in brown dogs. Haws are dark and not apparent. Ears--Set well above the line of the eye. Leather is heart shaped and thin. Except for a small opening at the back, ears are held nicely against the head. Tips should not reach below the lower jaw. Skull--In profile, it is slightly longer than the muzzle, its curvature more accentuated at the back than in the front. When viewed head-on, the top of the skull is very broad and appears domed, with a slight depression in the middle. The forehead is prominent, and has a central furrow, extending two-thirds of the distance from stop to occiput. The occiput is well defined. Stop--Well defined. Muzzle--Substantial; wider at the base than at the nose. Jaws--Strong and neither over nor undershot. Nose--Broad, well flared nostrils. Fully pigmented; black in dogs with black, black and white, or white coats; various tones of brown in dogs with brown coats. Lips-- Thick, especially in front; no flew. Lips and mucous membranes of the roof of the mouth, under tongue, and gums are quite black, or well ticked with black in dogs with black, black and white, or white coats; various tones of brown in dogs with brown coats. Bite--Scissors or level. Teeth--Not visible when the mouth is closed. Canines strongly developed. UKC: Head The well-proportioned head is strong and wide. When viewed in profile, the skull is slightly longer than the muzzle, and its curvature is more accentuated at the back than in the front. The occiput is well defined. The top of the skull appears to be domed and to have a slight depression in the middle. There is a central furrow in the prominent forehead for two-thirds of the distance between the forehead and the occiput. The stop is well-defined. The muzzle is narrower at the nose than at its base. The strong jaws are neither under- nor overshot. The lips are thick, especially in the front. There are no flews. The mucous membranes (including the roof of the mouth, under the tongue, and the gums), are well ticked with black or are quite black in black or white dogs. In brown dogs, color is in harmony with that of the coat. The teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed. TEETH -- A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The canines are strongly-developed. EYES -- The roundish, medium size eyes are set well apart. They are brown or black in color. The fine-textured lids have black edges. The dark haws are not apparent. The eyes are never prominent or sunken. NOSE -- The wide, finely-pigmented nose has well-flared nostrils. Nose pigment is black in dogs with black, black and white, or white coats. Brown dogs have nose pigment in harmony with coat color. EARS -- The heart-shaped ears are set well above the line of the eyes, the tips reaching above the lower jaw, not below. Ear leather is fine in texture. The ears are held nicely against the head except for a small opening at the back. KC: Head and Skull: Large, well proportioned, skull slightly longer than muzzle, well defined occiput. Muzzle tapers slightly. Forehead has central furrow for two-thirds of length of head, frontal bones prominent. Nose wide, nostrils well open. Black in black, black and white, and white dogs, liver in brown, brown and white, and brown tones. Eyes Medium, round, set well apart. Black or dark brown with dark eye rims. Ears Heart shaped, dropped, thin, set well above eye level, held close to head, except at back. Tips not below neck line. Mouth Scissor bite, jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws, strongly developed canines. FCI: HEAD Well proportioned, large and broad. CRANIAL REGION : Skull : Seen in profile it is slightly longer than the muzzle; its curvature is more accentuated at the back than in front and it possesses a well defined occiput. From the front the parietal bones are seen to be dome-shaped and to have a slight depression in the middle. The forehead has a central furrow for two thirds of the length of the parietals and the superciliary ridges are prominent. Stop : Well defined, slightly further back than the inner corner of the eyes. FACIAL REGION : Nose : Wide. Nostrils well open and finely pigmented. Black, in animals with black, black and white or white coats. In browns the nose is the same colour as the coat. Never flesh-coloured. Muzzle : Narrower at the nose than at its base. Lips : Thick, especially in front. Inner corner of lips not apparent. Mucous membranes (roof of mouth, under the tongue and gums) with accentuated black pigmentation. Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong, neither over- nor undershot. Teeth good, not apparent. Canines strongly developed. Eyes : Medium sized, set well apart and a bit obliquely, roundish and neither prominent nor sunken. Brown or black in colour. The eyelids, which are of fine texture, have black edges. No haw. Ears : Leather heart-shaped, thin in texture and set well above the line of eyes. Except for the rear edge of the ear being slightly lifted off, the ears are held nicely against the head. The tips should not reach below the throat line.
Neck:	(Same for all Standards with the exception that the AKC Standard does not state the lack of a mane. CKC: Straight, short, nicely rounded and held high. Strongly muscled. No mane and no dewlap. AKC: Straight, short, round, and held high. Strongly muscled. No dewlap. UKC: The straight, short, strongly-muscled, nicely rounded neck is held high. There is no mane or no dewlap. KC: Short, straight, strongly muscled. Carried high, no mane or dewlap. FCI: Straight, short, nicely rounded, muscled, carried high and free; springing cleanly from the shoulders. No ruff, no dewlap.
Body:	CKC: Brisket: Wide and deep, reaching down to the elbow. Ribs long and well sprung. Withers: Wide and not prominent. Back: Short and nicely joined to the croup. Abdomen: Held well up in a graceful line. Croup: Well formed and only slightly inclined with hips hardly apparent. AKC: Topline--Level and firm. Body--Chest is broad and deep, reaching down to the elbow. Ribs are long and well-sprung to provide optimum lung capacity. Abdomen well held up in a graceful line. Back is broad and well muscled. Loin is short and meets the croup smoothly. Croup is well formed and only slightly inclined with hip bones hardly apparent. UKC: The short back meets the croup smoothly. The well-formed croup is only slightly inclined. The hip bones are hardly apparent. The wide, deep brisket reaches down at the elbows. The ribs are long and well sprung. There is a good tuck-up. KC: Chest wide and deep, reaching to elbow. Ribs long, well sprung. Withers wide, not prominent. Back short, good tuck-up, croup only slightly inclined. FCI: Withers : Wide and not prominent. Back : Straight, short, broad, well muscled. Loins : Short and nicely joined to the rump. Croup : Well formed and only slightly inclined, with symmetrical hips hardly apparent. Chest : Wide and deep, reaching down to the elbow. Ribs long and well sprung providing great respiratory capacity. Belly : Drawn up in a graceful line, of reduced volume.
Forequarters:	CKC: Forelegs: Strong and straight. Shoulder: Well inclined and very strongly muscled. Upper Arm: Strong and of regular length, parallel to the medial body line. Forearm: Long and strongly muscled. Knee: Heavy boned, wider in front than at the side. Pastern: Long and strong. Fore Feet Round and rather flat. Toes not too knuckled up and not too long. The membrane between the toes, which reaches the lip of these, is of soft skin, well covered with hair. Black nails are preferred but whites, browns and striped are allowed according to the colour of the coat. Nails held up slightly off the ground. Central pad very thick, others normal. Position of Legs: Regular. It is admissible for the front legs to be held so that feet are slightly in front of the perpendicular and the back legs, from the hock downwards, also a bit forward. AKC: Forequarters Shoulders are well inclined and very strongly muscled. Upper arms are strong. Forelegs are strong and straight with long, well muscled forearms. Carpus is heavy-boned, wider in front than at the side. Pasterns are long and strong. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are round and rather flat. Toes neither knuckled up nor too long. Webbing between the toes is of soft skin, well covered with hair, and reaches the toe tips. Central pad is very thick, others normal. Nails held up slightly off the ground. Black, brown, white, and striped nails are allowed. UKC: Forequarters The well-inclined shoulder is very strongly muscled. FORELEGS -- The straight forelegs are strong. The upper arm is strong. The long forearm is strongly-muscled. The wrist (carpus) is heavy-boned; wider in the front than at the side. The long pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be removed from the front leg. Feet The round feel are rather flat, with toes that are not too knuckled up nor too long. The webbing, made up of soft skin reaching to the tip of the toes, is well-covered with hair. The nails are held up slightly off the ground. Black nails are preferred, but white, brown or striped nails, in harmony with coat color, are acceptable. The center pad of the foot is very thick, while the others are normal. KC: Straight, strong boned and well muscled. Shoulders muscular and well laid. Pasterns long and upright. FCI: Position of legs : Vertical. Slightly oblique pasterns and hocks are admissible. FOREQUARTERS Strong and straight. Shoulders : Well inclined and very strongly muscled. Upper arm : Strong and of medium length, parallel to the medial axis of the body. Forearm : Long and strongly muscled. Pastern joint (Carpus) : Heavy boned, broader seen from the front than from the side. Pastern (Metacarpus) : Long and strong. Forefeet : Round and flat. Toes not much knuckled up and of medium length. The interdigital membrane which extends over the whole length of the toes, is limp and well covered with long hair. Black nails are preferred but white, brown and striped nails are also allowed according to the colour of the coat. Nails do not quite touch the ground. Central pad very hard, the others normally thick.
Hindquarters:	CKC: Hind Legs: Straight and very strongly muscled. Thigh: Strong and of regular length. Very strongly muscled. Thigh bone parallel to the medial bodyline. Second Thigh: Long and strongly muscled, parallel the medial body line. Decidedly inclined from front to back. All the tendons well developed. Buttocks: Long and well curved. Hock Strong. Metatarsus Long. No dewclaws Hind Feet Similar, in all respects, to the fore feet. Position of Legs: Regular. It is admissible for the front legs to be held so that feet are slightly in front of the perpendicular and the back legs, from the hock downwards, also a bit forward. AKC: Hindquarters Powerful; well balanced with the front assembly. Legs, viewed from the rear, are parallel to each other, straight and very strongly muscled in upper and lower thighs. Buttocks are well developed. Tendons and hocks are strong. Metatarsus long, no dewclaws. Feet similar in all respects to forefeet. UKC: Hindquarters The well-curved rump is long. HIND LEGS -- When viewed from the rear, the thigh bones are parallel and the hind legs are very strongly muscled and straight. The upper thigh and the lower thigh are strongly muscled. The long lower thigh is decidedly inclined from front to back. The hocks are strong; hamstrings are well developed. The rear pasterns are long. Dewclaws are removed from the hind legs. Feet The round feel are rather flat, with toes that are not too knuckled up nor too long. The webbing, made up of soft skin reaching to the tip of the toes, is well-covered with hair. The nails are held up slightly off the ground. Black nails are preferred, but white, brown or striped nails, in harmony with coat color, are acceptable. The center pad of the foot is very thick, while the others are normal. KC: Straight and very strongly muscled, well angulated, buttocks long and well curved, strong hock, metatarsals long, no dewclaws. Feet: Round, rather flat, toes not too long or too knuckled up. Membrane reaching to tip of toes, covered with hair. Central pads very thick. FCI: Position of legs : Vertical. Slightly oblique pasterns and hocks are admissible. HINDQUARTERS Straight and very strongly muscled. Buttocks : Long and well rounded. Thigh : Strong and of regular length. Very strongly muscled. Stifle : Parallel to the medial body plane. Second thigh : Long and strongly muscled, parallel to the medial body plane. Well inclined from front to rear. All tendons and ligaments well developed. Hock joint : Strong. Hocks : Long. No dew-claws. Hind feet : Similar, in all respects, to the forefeet.
Tail:	(Same for all Standards with different wording used.) CKC: Not docked, thick at the base and tapering; medium setting. It should not reach down below the hock. When the dog is attentive the tail should be held in a ring, the front of which should not reach beyond the line of the kidneys. The tail is of great help when swimming and diving. AKC: Tail--Not docked; thick at the base and tapering; set on slightly below the line of the back; should not reach below the hock. When the dog is attentive the tail is held in a ring, the front of which should not reach forward of the loin. The tail is of great help when swimming and diving. UKC: The tail, which is of great help when swimming and diving, is not docked and has a medium setting. Thick at the base, it tapers down to, but does not reach below, the hock. When at attention, the tail is held in a ring, the front of which should not reach beyond the forward line of the hips. KC: Medium set, thick at base and tapering, length not below hock, carried in a ring, clipped, leaving plume at end. FCI: Not docked, thick at the base and tapering; medium set-on. It should not reach down below the hock. When the dog is attentive the tail should be held in a ring, the front of which should not reach beyond the medium line of the loin region. The tail is of great help when swimming and diving.
Gait:	CKC: First and foremost a working dog, the Portuguese Water Dog's trotting gait should be effortless, balanced and sound. He should display a proud carriage and a light, happy attitude with the tail carried high in ring over the back. He should be gaited at a moderate speed . There should be good reach and strong drive with a level topline. At increased speed there will be tendency to converge. Movement from front and rear will be clean and true. The walking gait is light with short steps and the gallop energetic. AKC: Short, lively steps when walking. The trot is a forward striding, well balanced movement. UKC: At a walk, steps are short and lively. At a trot, movement is well balanced and forward-striding. KC: Walking, lively short steps. A light trot and energetic gallop. FCI: Free movement. Walking with short steps; a light rhythmical trot and an energetic gallop.
Faults:	CKC: Any deviation from the described ideal is a fault. Major Faults are those deviations that interfere with the performance of the dog's traditional job and which therefore cannot be overlooked. AKC: Any deviation from the described ideal is a fault. However, those inherent characteristics that are imperative for the maintenance of proper type, and therefore cannot be overlooked, are listed as Major Faults. Major Faults Temperament--Shy, vicious, or unsound behavior. Head--Unimpressive; small in overall size; narrow in topskull; snipy in muzzle. Substance--Light or refined in bone; lacking in muscle. Coat--Sparse; naturally short, close-lying hair, partially or over all; wispy or wiry in texture; brittle; double-coated. Tail--Other than as described. Extremely low set. Heavy or droopy in action. Pigment--Any deviation from described pigmen- tation; other than black or various tones of brown eye color; pink or partial pigmentation in nose, lips, eyes, or eye rims. Bite--Overshot or undershot. UKC: Any deviations from the ideal are to be considered faults. Faults are to be penalized to the extent of the deviation and, most importantly, to the extent that the fault would reduce the dog's working ability. KC: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. FCI: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Disqualifications:	CKC: Colour other than those mentioned Coat other than those mentioned Over or undershot jaws Over or under height Flesh-coloured or discoloured nose AKC: (Not indicated in Standard.) UKC: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. KC: FCI: Head : Very long, narrow, flat or pointed. Nose : Flesh-coloured or discoloured, totally or partially. Muzzle : Funnel-shaped or too pointed. Jaws : Over or undershot bite. Eyes : Wall eye, leight coloured, different to each other in form or size; sunken or protruding. Ears : Wrong setting, very big, very short or folded. Tail : Docked, rudimentary or non-existent. Heavy, droopy in action or carried upright. Hind-feet : Presence of dew-claws. Coat : Different from the types described. Albinism. Size : Over- or undersized animals. Deafness : Either inherited or acquired.

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