Dog Weathervane – Portuguese Water Dog Trotting

We have found Portuguese Water Dog owners to be very passionate about their breed. One of our earliest dog weathervanes is a ‘Portie’ jumping off a pier into the water. Since then, we have received commissions to make a number of variations on this theme. The Trotting Portuguese Water Dog Weather Vane shown here is one of these. As shown in the photo above, it is crafted in copper with the dog’s name stamped onto an optional gold leaf collar and tag.

Portuguese Water Dogs are originally from the Portuguese region of the Algarve, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing fishing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught cod to bring home.

This particular dog is shown with a Field Clip, but we can also make it with a Lion Clip or Show Clip, depending on your preference. Because these weather vanes are handcrafted to order, you specify which coat you would like when you place your order. With its widely spaced legs, all of us here at West Coast Weather Vanes think this trotting ‘Portie’ weathervane would look particularly striking if made with the breed’s signature Lion clip!

We made an interesting variation on this Trotting Portuguese Water Dog Weathervane for a customer in Connecticut. He wanted one side flat, so it could be hung on a wall in his home as an indoor sculpture piece. He also requested that we make the dog in optional nickel silver rather than the more traditional copper. In the end this customer purchased two of these flat sided sculpture pieces and placed them above the fireplace mantle where they are shown trotting briskly towards each other.

In addition to the trotting version shown here, we also offer a ‘Portie’ standing in the classic conformation pose and, as mentioned earlier, one leaping into the water. Our customers usually make their selection based on which version most accurately captures the personality of their dog. However, if you envision your dog in another pose, such as a play bow, please give us a call to discuss how we can design your Portuguese Water Dog weather vane just the way you want it.

A customer in North Carolina sent us the following note along with photos of their just installed weathervane: “A little late but as promised I have attached pictures of the wonderful Portuguese Water Dog Weather Vane we are so proud of. Thanks so much for your time and help in getting it made and installed. We are thoroughly enjoying it.”

Please enjoy our PWD Gallery

Portuguese Water Dog Weathervane Trotting Click image to enlarge	Portuguese Water Dog Weathervane Leaping Click image to enlarge