About The Foundation

Dedicated to making a genuine impact on the future health of the breed.

In 1997, a small community of Portuguese Water Dog enthusiasts joined together and dedicated their time, money, hard work, and hearts to building a healthier future for Portuguese Water Dogs (PWDs). From their collaborative efforts, the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation was formed for the sole purpose of supporting research to improve the health of the breed in not only breed specific diseases but also diseases like the various cancers and viral diseases that affect the general canine population including PWDs.

The Portuguese Water Dog Foundation is a permanent and separate entity that was established for the sole purpose of supporting health research for the benefit of the Portuguese Water Dog. The Foundation followed the lead of many other breed specific groups, which have established Foundations that are separate entities successfully supporting research for the health of their specific breed. While the Foundation is not affiliated with the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, we do share a common goal – the health of the breed.

The Portuguese Water Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All Officers and Board members of the Foundation serve as unpaid volunteers.

RESEARCH

Research the Foundation has sponsored or co-sponsored has contributed to the future health of the breed in significant ways:

The gene that caused Juvenile Cardiomyopathy (JDCM), which resulted in puppies dying, was found, and a genetic test was developed.

The gene that caused prcd PRA (prcd Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which caused dogs to go blind, was found and a genetic test was developed.

In addition to the above successes, the Foundation continues to sponsor research related to cancer (hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma), IBD and Addison’s.

PARTNERSHIP

The Foundation partners with the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Morris Animal Foundation on multi-breed health related research that also affects Portuguese Water Dogs.

In addition, the Foundation partners and communicates with the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America to co-sponsor breed specific health research.

Over the years the Foundation has partnered with major universities in breed specific research as well as the Rabies Challenge Fund.

GET INVOLVED

You too can make a difference and help us be able to carry-on with our mission to improve the quality of life and future health of our Portuguese Water Dog companions.

There are several opportunities where you can contribute, or make a donation in tribute to a special dog or person in your life.

Consider creating a fund raising drive for a cause near and dear to your heart.

Contact us for more information about donation and funding opportunities.

Our History

Timeline

2020

Funding Milestone

$1,000,000 funding milestone to health research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation.

2020

Shine On Lifetime Follow-up

Continuation of the Shine On Challenge project with the Lifetime follow-up for canine hemangiosarcoma.

2019

Puppy Eye Syndrome

Marker test developed for Puppy Eye Syndrome.

2019

Funding Milestone

$750,000 funding milestone to health research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation.

2018

20th Anniversary of the Foundation

20th Anniversary for Portuguese Water Dog Foundation funding research for a healthier PWD

2018

Enlisting PWDs for Addison’s Research

Addison’s research began enlisting PWDs to develop diagnostics to predict dogs at risk

2018

Shine On Challenge, Phase 3

Phase III of Shine On Challenge project began to further the quest to find accurate early detection and prevention of hemangiosarcoma.

2017

Gene Research for Micropthalmia and Delayed Growth Syndrome

Funded research with University of Pennsylvania to determine heritability and potentially locate responsible gene for Micropthalmia and Delayed Growth Syndrome in the PWD.

2017

Shine on Challenge, Phase 2

Phase II of Shine On Challenge project began enlisting PWDs in research to prevent hemangiosarcoma

2017

Genome Sequencing for PWDs

Funded whole genome sequencing that was critical to the discovery of gene mutation responsible for Early Onset PRA in the PWD

2017

Early Onset PRA

Gene mutation discovered for Early Onset PRA and gene test became commercially available through Optigen

2016

Shine on Challenge, Phase 1

Phase I of Shine On Challenge project began to prevent hemangiosarcoma

2015

Partnership Formed

Unprecedented partnership with the Golden Retriever Foundation, the American Boxer Charitable Foundation, the AKC Canine Health Foundation, and the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation to sponsor research to develop technologies that will allow researchers to prevent hemangiosarccoma (Shine On Challenge)

2015

Funding Milestone

$500,000 funding milestone to health research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation

2014

Funding Milestone

$400,000 funding milestone to health research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation

2010

Funding Milestone

$250,000 funding milestone to health research by the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation

2007

JDCM Test

Gene test for JDCM released to the public

2007

10th Anniversary of the Foundation

10 year anniversary of Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc.

2005

Hemangiosarcoma Research Funded

Research with Jaime Modiano for hemangiosarcoma leading to potential diagnostic testing that was later patented

2004

prcd-PRA Test

Gene test for prcd-PRA released to the public

2001

JDCM Research

Major research project began which would lead to genetic testing for JDCM

1998

Nonprofit Created

Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc. was formed as a nonprofit organization

1997

Portuguese Water Dog Enthusiasts

Joan Bendure calls upon other long-time Portuguese Water Dog owners to gauge interest in forming a health foundation for PWDs