🐾 Our Story at Allegiance
We have been involved in purebred dogs for more than 30 years, beginning our journey in 1996 with Newfoundlands. From the very beginning, we were drawn to the Portuguese Water Dog, but with a growing family, we knew the timing had to be right before adding a second breed. Eventually — after what felt like forever — that moment arrived.
Our love affair with the PWD began long before we owned one. In 2000, at the Cleveland dog shows, a Portuguese Water Dog spent the weekend curled up in Amy’s lap, sleeping, snuggling, and making it impossible not to fall in love. From that point on, the breed had her heart.
In 2005, Amy purchased our first Portuguese Water Dog from Peggy Helming and Milan Lint of Pouch Cove PWDs. During one of her visits, there happened to be a gorgeous litter on the ground — all spoken for, of course — but Amy spent days playing with them, cuddling them, and dreaming of the day one would come home with us. A few months later, Peggy called to say another litter had arrived, and there was a wonderful girl in it for our family. That is how Pouch Cove’s Stay Tuned — “Sony” came to Allegiance.
Our next PWD, Pouch Cove’s Tempest Sea Me At Allegiance — “Waverly,” came to us through the combined generosity of Peggy Helming, Milan Lint, and Dejah Petsch of Tempest. We feel incredibly fortunate to have welcomed her into our home and our lives. And, as they say, the rest is history — at least until 2021, when Amy added a Lagotto Romagnolo to the family for a new adventure.
🐕🦺 What We Do
We actively participate in conformation, obedience, rally, and agility, and we hope to train our PWDs for water work as well. Several of our puppy families are already participating in water trials, and we love seeing the breed’s natural instincts shine.
Portuguese Water Dogs are remarkably versatile. Beyond the sports we enjoy, many PWDs excel in tracking, search and rescue, therapy work, and more. As much as we adore this breed, we also believe strongly that a PWD is not the right fit for everyone. Research is essential. Spend time with the breed, visit multiple breeders, and learn as much as you can before making the commitment.
❤️ Health, Education & Community
Like all breeds, Portuguese Water Dogs have specific health concerns that prospective owners should understand. An experienced breeder, fancier, or your local PWD club can help guide you. The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) at pwdca.org is an excellent resource, and from there you can also find your regional club. You don’t need to own a PWD to join, and most events welcome non‑members.
🏡 Come Visit Us
Our home is always open to anyone passing through the Crystal River, Florida area who would like to meet our dogs. We are located about 10 minutes east of Crystal River, 40 west of Ocala and 60 minutes north of Tampa. Our dogs love visitors, and we enjoy sharing the breed with anyone who wants to learn more.
If you’re planning to be in the area, give us a call to set up a visit. We would love to welcome you and introduce you to our dogs.
Evan, Keenan and Brendan
Aidan, McKenna and Clare
This photo is a bit outdated. Their ages now are Evan 34, Brendan 33, Keenan 29, Aidan 25, Clare 22 and McKenna 21 years old.
About Allegiance PWDs
2017 Christmas Family Photo
Left to Right: Daughter-in-law: Chantelle, Son: Evan, Grand-daughter: Addison, Son: Aidan, Daughters: McKenna and Clare, Son: Brendan, Daughter-in-law: Kimmie and Son: Keenan
Top left: Evan, McKenna, Keenan
Bottom left: Aidan, Clare, Brendan
