The existence of the Portuguese Water Dog along the coast of Portugal (primordially south of Lisbon and in  the Algarve) can be traced as far back as the 13th century. There are many theories surrounding the dog, which might have originated from Central Asia. A working dog, prized by fishermen, they were first exhibited by Frederico Pinto Soares in 1934 during an International Meet in Lisbon, arrousing the interest of fellow Vasco Bensaúde who founded the Algarbiorum line and whose dog Leão set the breed standard. The first study of the breed was published in 1936 by veterinarian Prof. Manuel Fernandes Marques.

Late in life Vasco Bensaúde invited, foreign born, Conchita Citron and  her husband, a wealthy portuguese aristocrat, with the intent of entrusting her to carry on his work keeping his dogs in the event of his passing. Conchita, a breeder of Portuguese Pointer's would not see Vasco again and would inherit his files as well as 14 dogs (1968); so would start the Al-Gharb line.

​

A woman of vision, she promoted the breed's repute by selling exclusively to wealthy foreigners amongst whom was Deyanne Miller, an American breeder - Farmion - since 1950.

Her foundation couple - Renascença do Al-Gharb (1968, $350) x Anzol do Al-Gharb (1970, $500) - would cost the combined amount of $850 usd. Unfortunately, after the Portuguese Revolution, in 1974, many abandoned there properties and seeked refuge elsewhere. Of the events that followed, Vasco Bensaúde's work of 40 years sucumbed to a single bitch (of silver coating) he excluded from his breeding program: Farrusca.

​

In 1983 the Portuguese Water Dog was finally recognised by the American Kennel Club.

​

In 1995 Portuguese Water Dog litters hit an all time high ("pre-Obama's" popularization) - 422 pups were registered in Portugal - as breeders tried to capitalise by the breeds popularity leading to a significant drop in price and desinterest. Years later, in 2002, only 90 puppies were registered with the Clube Português de Canicultura.