Well, Portugese Water Dog also known as Cao D'Agua is the dog breed the Obama family has chosen. I have created a needlefelt wool sculpture of this breed in the past and thought I would offer a custom Portugese Water Dog wooliture for those who would like to have their own without all the upkeep!

The pictures shown here are of my past work and this wool sculpture now resides with a breeder. I show them as samples of what your custom wool sculpture will be like. I also have feedback from former customers for your consideration at the bottom here. You can see more of the variety of woolitures I have made here http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosethistleartworks/collections/72157601924724737/

You get to pick the pose and the markings for your Portugese Water Dog. You can even add a toy or accessory for your new wooliture pup.

These are unique art collector's sculptures and not made for young children.

Here is some information on the breed taken from http://www.akc.org/breeds/portuguese_water_dog/

AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Portuguese Water Dog
Known for centuries along Portugal’s coast and prized for its strength, spirit and soundness, the Portuguese Water Dog is a loyal worker and companion. Medium-sized and robust, the breed possesses a waterproof coat and the ability to swim all day. Its coat can be curly or wavy and is black, white, or brown, or combinations of black or brown with white.

A Look Back
Referred to as the Cao de Agua (dog of water) in its native Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to accompany fisherman on their boats. An exceptional swimmer and diver, the breed retrieved broken nets, dove for fish, carried messages between boats and to shore, and guarded the boat for his master in foreign ports. The breed started disappearing in the early 20th century when technology made his daily job somewhat obsolete, but Dr. Vasco Bensuade, a wealthy Portuguese shipping magnate and dog fancier, saved the breed.

Right Breed for You?
An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires daily vigorous exercise. He is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. His profuse coat is hypoallergenic, but requires regular maintenance. It may be kept in the lion clip (the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle are clipped to the skin) or the retriever clip (the entire coat is clipped to one inch in length and follows the outline of the dog).

If you are considering purchasing a Portuguese Water Dog puppy, learn more here.

Working Group; AKC recognized in 1983.
Ideal size: 35 to 60 pounds and 17 to 23 tall inches at the shoulder.
Fisherman’s working companion; family pet.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

I needlefelt each soft sculpture from alpaca, llama, or sheep wool rovings which are the form wool is in before it is twisted into yarn. Instead of making yarn, I create needlefelt keepsakes for you!

Each one takes me from 3-6 weeks to create. I will work from photos you send me or links to photo sites such as flickr or photobucket. If you don''''t have any pictures of your favorite animal type, I will do the research.

You get to pick the pose. I do not need pictures of the pose in order to sculpt it for you.

I ship USPS Priority Mail and pay for it! If you would like a different carrier and it costs more, the difference will be billed to you.

Thank you for stopping by today! You can see more of my past wooliture work in photo albums that are grouped by animal type here http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosethistleartworks/collections/72157601924724737/

Testimonials:
"We are so thrilled with the wooliture you made of our precious little TiLoup! You captured his personality so perfectly and did a wonderful job making him down on his front paws in his "wanna play" position. He looks so much like TiLoup that even our cat seems to recognize him and to be welcoming him home! We sincerely appreciate all of the love and care you put into making him and your attention to all the details, from the blue in his eyes to the long fur up the back of his front paws, his sweet little ears . . . everything from his adorable little face to the tip of his tail! He even smells good :o) For many years our precious TiLoup has been sadly missed, dearly loved and always in our hearts. Now it feels like he is back in our home where he belongs. His tender spirit now has a lovely new wooly body to live on in forever. Your work is exceptional Gina - Thank yuo so much for touching our hearts in this special way!"

"OMG! This is perfect! The worst part is holding onto it until gift giving time! wah! I laughed and my eyes teared when I opened the box! THANK YOU! Very friendly and VERY communicative seller! Fantastic to work with! Wonderful custom experience and highly recommended!"

"Gina, you are fantastic- not only in your wooliture talents but in customer relations and heart. I really felt like you understood the "essence of Daley" when making his lil ditto wooliture and you portrayed him with every detail . . . body AND personality. Your enthusiasm through the whole thing was more than a customer could ask for. Thank you for sharing your talents, you have made a huge impact on my mom and my life with your art. It is wonderful. Thank you."

"Gina-thank you for creating Zoie for me out of wool. the coat coloring and tail are just perfect, and her loofah dog is amazing! I screamed when I got her! :)"

"A wonderful transaction - fast ship, fantastic communications. Thank you. :) I LOVE my little wooliture!!! This is SOOOOO cute and very well made!! You are very talented! I will definitely be back for another in the future!! :) Thank You again!!"

wonderful artistry! Better in person! Arrived quickly, great packaging! Thanks Gina"

"Thank you so much! The Zelda Wooliture arrived safely and in plenty of time to make a great gift. I am thrilled with your work!"

This is the most charming little artwork! Gina did a wonderful creative take on my favorite monster-she will go to work with me and I will enjoy her every day. Thanks, Gina!"

"Absolutely amazing work of art. I couldn not be more pleased. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU :)"

"I cannot even describe how beautiful my Golden Unicorn is!! Words fail me. To say it is spectacular is an understatement. The craftmanship of this artist is amazing. Such a lovely piece that I will cherish forever! I loved it in the picture, but in person, you can really see the details. The eyes, horn, and hooves sparkle with life! Truly, spectacular!!! Thank you so very, very much !!! I am beyond thrilled and happy!

"Beautiful little lamb, impeccably made! An absolute treasure. Thank you so much!"-A

"I LOVE my wooliture of my dog!!!! I will always recomend RoseThistleArtworks to friends and family looking for the special somthing!!! Wonderful service, help like crazy . . . "