The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed of dog. It is classified as a working dog by the American Kennel Club. The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed of dog. It is classified as a working dog by the American Kennel Club. Portuguese Water Dogs are originally from the Portuguese region of the Algarve, from where the breed expanded to all around Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. The Portuguese Water Dog has recently gained more fame by being the chosen breed of US President Barack Obama, who has two of them, Bo and Sunny. The Obama family chose Sunny for the breed's comparatively hypoallergenic nature, while Bo was given to them by Senator Ted Kennedy. Sometimes owners will clip the hair of their dogs very short, especially in the summer months, in modified retriever cut. They also make unusually good therapy dogs.