Our Story: Portuguese Water Dogs at Home in Sofia

We are Steli and Mitko, and welcome to our family! Stella Maris is our labour of love, a home filled with the laughter of our three daughters and the wagging tails of our Portuguese Water Dogs. To us, these dogs aren't just pets; they are family members who share every part of our lives.

We believe that a dog's place is in the heart of the home. Our dogs live inside with us, enjoying the comfort of our sofas and the warmth of our daily routine. It is this close bond that nurtures their happy, affectionate and well-balanced temperaments.

We are a family of adventurers at heart. Our favourite times are spent travelling together in our camper, discovering new horizons with the whole pack. Whether on the road or at home, life is simply better when we are all together.

How it started

Our journey with the breed began almost by chance and took a lot of research and patience. We travelled to Portugal to bring Arthur home as a puppy. After years of waiting and many refusals, established European breeders trusted us with Riva, and that was the start of our breeding programme.

We fell in love with the Portuguese Water Dog for its incredible intelligence and joyful spirit. Raising these dogs takes dedication, but the reward is a loyal best friend who wants nothing more than to be by your side. Our home near Vitosha mountain gives our dogs the freedom to run, play and explore the nature they adore.

"Stella Maris" is Latin for "Star of the Sea", a fitting name for a kennel devoted to the water dog of the Portuguese fishermen.