Our Portuguese Water Dogs: Arthur and Riva
Meet the pair at the heart of our breeding programme, chosen for their health, temperament and breed type.
Arthur
Arthur Rubinstein Do Veleiro Nagual
Arthy came to us from Portugal as a puppy and is a much-loved companion to our children. He started his show career relatively late and has since won titles at shows across Europe. He has a strong, spirited temperament and a classic wavy coat, and he is known for his focus and drive, which make him both a beautiful representative of the breed and a capable working dog. He loves the water and is a natural retriever.
Show titles and results
- Champion of Spain – World Dog Show 2022, Madrid
- Second place – Geneva Grand Prix 2023
- International multi-champion
- Champion and Grand Champion of Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Serbia
Health test results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Hips (hip dysplasia)X-ray scoring of the hip joints. A is the best grade on the FCI scale (A to E): no signs of hip dysplasia. | Grade A |
| Eye examinationVeterinary eye examination: no signs of eye disease were found. | Clear |
| GM1 gangliosidosis (DNA)A fatal inherited disease of the nervous system known in the breed. N/N means no copy of the gene variant. | Clear (N/N) |
| prcd-PRA (DNA)Progressive rod-cone degeneration, a form of progressive retinal atrophy that causes blindness later in life. | Carrier (N/PRA) |
| Improper coat (DNA)A gene variant that gives a smooth coat without the typical furnishings on the face. N/N means the dog does not carry it. | Clear (N/N) |
| CJM (DNA) | Clear (N/N) |
| CDDY / IVDD risk (DNA)A gene variant linked to shorter legs and a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). N/N means no copy. | Clear (N/N) |
Riva Rosa
Riva Rosa Do Lusiadas
We first met Riva in Florence in 2023, and she has been the heart of our kennel ever since. Playful and very intelligent, she embodies everything we love about the Portuguese Water Dog.
She has the gentlest soul and has proven to be a wonderful, intuitive mother. Her brown wavy coat is lovely to the touch, and she never shies away from affection; she often insists on cuddles. Soft-hearted as she is, she is also a devoted protector of her puppies and of our children.
Riva is a true ambassador for her breed. Alongside her life at home, she works with children at local kindergartens, where she helps them feel calm and confident and builds their trust in dogs. She is truly a special girl.
Show titles and results
- Junior Winner – Geneva Grand Prix 2023
- Intermediate Class Winner – World Dog Show 2024
- Junior Champion of Turkey
- Champion of Bulgaria
Health test results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| GM1 gangliosidosis (DNA)A fatal inherited disease of the nervous system known in the breed. N/N means no copy of the gene variant. | Clear (N/N) |
| prcd-PRA (DNA)Progressive rod-cone degeneration, a form of progressive retinal atrophy that causes blindness later in life. | Clear (N/N) |
| Early-onset PRA (DNA)An early-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy (inherited blindness) described in the Portuguese Water Dog. | Clear (N/N) |
| Improper coat (DNA)A gene variant that gives a smooth coat without the typical furnishings on the face. N/N means the dog does not carry it. | Clear (N/N) |
| CDPA (DNA) | Clear (N/N) |
| CDDY / IVDD risk (DNA)A gene variant linked to shorter legs and a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). N/N means no copy. | Clear (N/N) |
| RBP4 (DNA) | Clear (N/N) |
What a carrier result means
Arthur carries one copy of the prcd-PRA gene variant and is not affected. prcd-PRA is inherited in an autosomal recessive way: a dog is only affected if it inherits the variant from both parents. Riva Rosa is clear (N/N), so puppies of Arthur and Riva Rosa cannot be affected by prcd-PRA. On average about half of them will be carriers.
"Our dogs are our family. We aim to raise healthy, happy dogs that shine in the show ring, in the water and in your heart."