Well, that's not an easy question. The official PWD standard is easy to find on the internet. But that certainly is not all you need to know. The PWD, as I've read, was a serious working dog that was bred to work by his owner's side on fishing vessels taking messages boat to boat, pulling nets, serving as lookout and other on-board tasks as a hard working mate. I have made the mistake of calling them a "Portie" but the real purists feel that is a weak name so all these tasks were explained to me. I was told to call them "waterdogs." I guess they are all of the above and much more.
My dogs, however, just better fit the "Portie" name. They are fun loving, sit anywhere they want, sleep on my head, do very little work if any and wait for belly rubs. I know they are water dogs because whenever they hear the ice cube maker dispense the ice "water" cube, they come running. Not walking, but running!
About 7 PM every night they entertain themselves by chasing the deer in our fields. When it amuses them, they open the door and let the Newfoundland's out of their kennels for a swim in the pond. Of course, they go with them to make sure that everything is going as they planned!
They are the most precious item in my home. There is not a day that goes by that I don't laugh at their antics. Sometimes they just sit and think, but most of the time a toy, of some sort, is hanging out of their mouths, tail wagging. A good run in the field every day seems to be all the exercise that they need. They are just a great house companion.
They have allowed me to meet many wonderful people. I have had the opportunity to judge many of these wonderful dogs over the past few years, as one of the breeds I am licensed to judge as an AKC judge, and to learn much more about them than most people. I don't do water work with my dogs because I don't have the time, but we do water play in the pool and that seems enough for them.
As I am writing this, one of my girl PWDs wants in, but as I get up, I discover she has already let herself in the door. They are smart, mischievous and loving dogs. Stubborn at times but always loving.