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Things to do in the Algarve, Portugal
Portuguese Water Dogs: Breed Shows and Water Trials
We have written about the Portuguese National Dog before and this Sunday, the 22nd April, we were able to watch the first Cao d'Agua Portuguesa trials of the 2007 season at Portimao. The first part of the proceedings started in the Praca Manual Texeira Gomes, a lovely square on the Portimao waterfront. An area had been fenced off to act as a show ring, with official's table, chairs, loudspeaker and amplifier, it was very professional. A shortened dog show took  place with around 20 dogs entered in 4 classes which culminated in best dog and best bitch and best in show, of course. Surprisingly, there were two or three English entries and an even greater number of English spectators with non entered Water Dogs who had come along to see what happened.
After this, an announcement was made to proceed to the Praia Portimao Marinha (Portimao Marina Beach). We were told that it was only a short walk, 3kms and 30 minutes later we made it just in time to see the start. There are 3 levels of competence in the water trials and each level comprises 3 tests. Level 1 is for beginners and the tests involve a swim for both dog and handler, from the shore, around 2 buoys about 20m offshore and about 20m apart, rather like swimming to heel, a surface retrieve from about 5m from the shore and a retrieve from under water (a small piece of wood is weighted on a line so that it is just under the surface). Level 2 requires a 2 minute swim, a surface retrieve further from the shore and a deeper dive retrieve. As the water trials are in their infancy, there are no dogs capable of level 3, which  involves a dive from a boat, a longer swim again and a deeper dive.
All the dogs and handlers had a wonderful time and, as not many of the dogs could do the dive retrieve, when one did, there was much clapping and back slapping. Afterwards everyone returned en-masse for a late lunch. We were made to feel very welcome and virtually everyone spoke English and took time to explain what was happening.
Follow the links for more on The Portuguese Water Dogs at Ria Formosa Natural Park and The trials at Vila Real de Santo Antonio in late May 2007
Would you like more suggestions? Take a look at our Things to do in the Algarve and Places to go in the Algarve sections for loads of ideas of what to do and where to go
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