The PWD is a breed that requires a serious committment in terms of time and energy, particulary during the first 2 - 3 years. Why is that?

Water Dogs are by nature very physical beings: they are exhuberant, athletic, impetuous; as such they require an owner who is physically capable and willing to tolerate and work with a dog who understands that the shortest distance between 2 points is a straight line, even if that leads him over the top of the sofa...

Left to their own devices, PWD's are happy to take over your home and everything in it. Consequently, they need a person who is willing to channel their intelligence and persistence in a positive, consistent manner. A keen sense of humor and a sense of fun are a must for the Water Dog owner. Harsh and/or negative training as well as inconsistency invariably lead to behaviorial problems with Water Dogs.

Water Dogs require frequent grooming, i.e. brushing and combing out at least twice weekly, along with baths 2 - 3 times per month, unless their coat is kept very short. That doesn't mean that they like being groomed, however. Most Water Dogs would be happiest shaved down, in fact. If you want your Water Dog to look his/her best, it is up to you to put in the time and effort, teach your dog to accept grooming and then follow through on your end. If you are not committed to doing this, you should probably consider a different breed.

Water Dogs can be very willful and independent, which is what causes many novice owners to become frustrated, particularly if they're dealing with young children who exhibit the same behaviors! In fact, having a Water Dog is similar to living with a perpetual 3-year-old with hair. Permissive parenting practices do not result in a compliant Water Dog!

Water Dogs crave your companionship. They have a strong desire to be a part of your life. You will do your dog a great disservice if you expect him to live out his life alone for hours during the day, and excluded from everyday family activities, which include running all errands. It behooves the Water Dog owner to train him to become a first class citizen so that he can be taken everywhere and be welcome.

A Water Dog who is fortunate enough to share his life with a dedicated, committed owner is a joy. He is happy, affectionate, charming and devoted, and never too far away from the food.

What a PWD is not:

Water Dogs are not lawn ornaments. In fact, they are often found hard at work doing their own unique form of gardening...

They are also not fireplace ornaments. They don't particularly care for the heat of the fireplace, but would be happy to take the fireplace mat to some other part of the home in order to lie on it.

They are definitely not a toy for the kids. Most young children cannot deal with the responsibility that a Water Dog entails, and they should not be expected to do so.

Water Dogs are not really cute, though they have the appearance of being that way. It is just a disguise, and you shouldn't fall for it.

Most of all, Water Dogs are NOT status symbols, though there are many who want them for just that reason. Like all status symbols, they can lose their charm over time, especially after reality sets in.