We’ve Gone to the Dogs

Mike Levine

The Obama administration may have popularized Portuguese Water Dogs in this country, but David Craig Rotenberg has been into this neat breed for many decades. 

Customers who visit David Craig Jewelers are likely to meet Dozer (12) and his nephew Bubba (8) who often accompany David to the store to sniff and snooze. At home, Sea-Sea, Oh-No, Dazzle, Breezy, Maestro, Charlie, Suzzie and Shelby wait patiently to play with their housemates.

The Saga Continues

Roscoe was the first Portuguese Water Dog acquired by David and his wife, Debbi, as a pet for their son. Debbi Rotenberg convinced David to work with her to breed these lovable dogs. Roscoe and his mate, Gabby, produced a litter and the saga began. Debbi took the hobby a step further and soon also became a professional breed groomer. While David and Debbi prefer the all black variety, the breed also shows up in black and white, brown or more of a patchwork.

Healing Power of Dogs

David, a former cancer patient himself, strongly believes in the healing power of animals. Years ago, he developed a volunteer dog therapy program, “Paws for a Cause” at St. Mary Medical Center.

Portuguese Water Dogs – a Little History

The breed originated in Portugal where these excellent canine swimmers were valued for their ability to heard fish into nets and retrieve broken nets. They didn’t reach the United States until the 1960s.  The breed was accepted for registration into the American Kennel Club in the 1980s in the “Working Group.” Allergic to dogs? No problem: Portuguese Water Dogs are considered hypoallergenic!

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