Membership Info

Get your Membership Forms including the Membership Application form,
PWDCC Code of Ethics form, Breeder form and Breeder Litter Due form here!


About the club
The Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada was formed for the benefit of Portuguese Water Dogs and their owners. The club provides an opportunity for us to have fun sharing our common interest and to learn more about all aspects of living with a Portuguese Water Dog.

The PWDCC was formed in 1993 as the national purebred club of the Portuguese Water Dog in Canada. We are governed by the Constitution and By-laws established for the club and registered as a not-for-profit club with the Canadian Kennel Club.

The club objectives as stated in our Constitution are:

  • to encourage and promote breeding of purebred Portuguese Water Dogs, (conformation and temperament for companions) and do all possible to bring their natural qualities to the forefront.
  • to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the Canadian Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which the Portuguese Water Dogs shall be judged.
  • to encourage the organization of local Branches of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada in those locations where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed.
  • do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed and encourage sports person-like competition at dog shows and trials, under the rules of the Canadian Kennel Club.
  • the club encourages all members to be responsible owners, promoting the welfare of the breed and a willingness to share information honestly.

Eligibility
Individual membership is open to all persons eighteen years or older, who at the time of joining, own a Portuguese Water Dog, or have interest in the Portuguese Water Dog and are in good standing with the Canadian Kennel Club. (i.e. not necessarily a member, but who have not contravened the rules of the Canadian Kennel Club)

Member benefits
As a club member you benefit from a range of services and programs designed to keep you informed, make new friends, have fun with your PWD and help benefit the breed we love so much!

The National Club has responsibility for:

Club newsletter, The Waterlog

  • issued quarterly, this publication will keep you up-to-date with all the club events and current issues.
  • each issue includes feature articles on performance, training, breeding and health, and showcases members and their dogs.
  • available in hard copy or on the member protected section of the club website

Our website, www.pwdcc.org

  • our website will keep you connected and be there to help with any immediate general questions
  • member protected section includes access to members' chat forum, member events, membership directory, member feedback, PWDCC rescue, and official club communications, e.g. board meeting minutes

Liaising with the Canadian Kennel Club and the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America

  • to maintain sanctioning for events, and advocating on behalf of our breed;
  • the National club is responsible for the breed standard as posted with the CKC.

Judges’ Education

  • the PWDCC educational seminar for CKC-approved judges includes a Powerpoint presentation with handouts that is presented with live dogs who are available to be gone over and gaited to demonstrate the correct variety of coat type, colour, size and clip in the breed.

National Specialties

  • the National Specialty is presently held every 2 years;
  • the board attempts to move the show to centres across Canada;
  • are hosted by local Banches or members who are approved by the board.

Branches of the PWDCC

  • Branches are set-up by members’ petition to the National Club;
  • their responsibility is to provide local events to members;
  • they are governed by Branch By-Laws and the the PWDCC Constitution and By-Laws;
  • membership in a Branch is automatic by definition of the member’s home address upon joining the National club;
  • if there is no Branch in your location, with the petition of 10 active members, and the will to provide events, a Branch can be established, please refer to the PWDCC Constitution and By-Laws;
  • Branches may produce PWDCC branded merchandise to support events.

Member events
Events are organized by the local branch clubs, at this time Ontario has the first PWDCC Branch, the PWDCOntario.
Fun and informative events are run throughout the year including:

  • performance clinics on water work, agility, obedience and tracking;
  • seminars on health, grooming, handling, breeding;
  • hosting the National Specialty Show.

Member involvement 
 The club exists for our members and in turn cannot exist without your active involvement. Participation includes:

  • event planning;
  • event participation;
  • board or sub-committee member;
  • articles for the Waterlog;
  • input to our website;
  • clinic or seminar presenter;
  • member feedback-what you like, how can we make things even better!

New Puppy Introductory Offer  
New owners of a member breeder puppy are invited to join the club for an introductory year’s participation in the club including the Waterlog, access to the members’ only section and activities suitable for a young pup. Like regular membership, fees are prorated when joining after September 1st for the balance of the year. The New Puppy Introductory Offer does not confer membership for the next fiscal year or voting privileges.

Breeder Program  
Member breeders are invited to join the Breeder list on our web site. The $100.00 contribution for the listing and an additional $50.00 for a web link support PWDCC Rescue. Our member Code of Ethics requires all member breeders to assume life-long responsibility for re-homing all puppies they produce should this be necessary. But, we are faced with re-homing non-member breeders' dogs and the Breeder Program supports this effort. Additionally, we have a Litter Due notice so that each litter during the year can be posted on the site with the expected birth date. Please refer to the Breeder Program registration forms for the qualifications required for this program

Membership application
To become a member of the PWDCC either

  1. print out a hard copy of the PDF Application Form and mail it with the membership fee, or
  2. use PayPal and a hard copy of the Application to:

Karen Matthews, PWDCC Secretary/Treasurer
1462 Barron Rd.
Allanburg, Ontario
L0S 1A0
905 680-4594

Annual membership fee:
Individual membership: $35.00 Canadian
Family membership: $35.00 for first member and $10.00 for each additional member (One Waterlog issue is distributed per household)

Membership year and dues payable
Annual club membership runs from January 1st through December 31st each year.

New Memberships are pro-rated
New members joining the club for the first time between September 1 and December 31, will receive membership for balance of the current fiscal year and the following membership year.

Membership Renewals Notice: October each year, fees are due January 1 following.