The Portuguese Water Dog originated in Portugal, although exactly when is unclear. The first written account describing the breed was from 1297, describing a black curly-coated dog saving a drowning man. Long ago, Portuguese Water Dogs could be found all along the coast of Portugal on boats and in shipyards. The dogs were used to herd fish into nets, retrieve equipment that had fallen in the water, relay messages from boats to other boats or to land, and to be a loving companion at night. While technology eventually replaced the use of these dogs, they are still employed as water rescue workers and as companions.