About Us
Colorado Portuguese Water Dogs
We are a small family owned mini acreage hidden away iColorado. We come from a Ranching background where we had a large working ranch in the middle of Colorado 60 miles from the nearest groceries. We had cattle, horses, and the kids enjoyed their own chickens, goats, rabbits ALL in addition to dogs. We always had 3 to 6 dogs. Working dogs for Cattle Australian Shepherd, border collies or blue heelers. But the kids had their labs. From an early age they bred (mom and dad help) Lab puppies. It taught them a bunch and from that they got to pick our vacation spot for the winter (yes always at a ski slope). The responsibility was great for the three girls. Even after the girls moved on their own lives we continued raising, training, breeding labradors. BUT in 2016 we began to transition away from the labs and got our first Portuguese Water Dog. What a difference but many similarities. Some believe that the PWD is one of the foundation breeds of the lower Newfoundland which is the foundation for Labradors. Both sweet and kind and love their humans. What a great transition to a smaller, non-shedding dog that still is really smart and trainable.
Our Background
Coree grew up with Collies and Australian Shepherds. My parents bred and raised puppies along the way. My folks were in the cattle business but my passion at that time was horses. What a great way to grow up. I went to Kansas State University receiving my undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Master Degree in Animal Science as well. Teaching a basic Animal Nutrition course which is still very important to what and how I feed my dogs and puppies.
Dan also grew up and around agriculture mostly farming in Southern Iowa in early years. He attended Kansas State University getting his BS in Animal Science. He lived at the Beef Research Unit helping with the research projects going on at that time feeding and nutrition were important.
We moved to Eastern Colorado, East of Colorado Springs where we spent almost 35 years ranching. After the sale of our ranch we moved to Eastern Kansas to take care of family for a few years. This is where we became involved with PWD's and feel in love. We since have moved back to Colorado where we continue to breed and raise PWD.
Passion
Dogs are our life and passion. We spend most of our time with one or multiple dogs. As we have gotten older we concentrate on family and our dog family. We are not a puppy mill but do enjoy puppies and all the wonderful people we have met along the way.