The Courier
The Courier -- The PWDCA's Award-Winning Magazine. It is the official publication of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc. (PWDCA). Its goal is to provide information to members to perpetuate the original mission of the PWDCA. The magazine portrays Portuguese Water Dogs at work and at play. It contains articles and photos contributed by members and breed experts on a variety of subjects, including water work, health, training, performance, conformation, and rescue.
The magazine is a benefit of PWDCA membership and is supported by membership dues. If you are interested in receiving The Courier, please see additional information on our Membership Information page. Back issues are available for purchase to members depending upon availability.
Please note: Members must have the current password and log in to use the Courier Bookshelf (on-line viewing of back issues). The password can be found on The Courier page in the Members Only section.
Deyanne Miller, who is credited with introducing the Portuguese Water Dog to the United States, began sending a newsletter to PWDCA members as soon as the Club was established in 1972. The newsletter has evolved to the magazine it is today
.- Deyanne Miller(1972-1976)
- Noreen Lowery (1977-1980)
- Maryanne Murray (1981-1988)
- Cathy Kalb (co-editor, 1985-1988)
- Kitty Braund (1988-1993 and 1994-1999)
- Sonia Held (1993-1994)
- Terry Cardillino (1999-2012)
- Peter and Anne Paige (2013-2014)
- Kathryn Monroe (2014-March 2018)
- Susan Myrick (April 2018-September 2022)
- Bonnie Smith Hill (October 2022-2024)
- Susan Myrick (January 2026-Present)
Over the years, The Courier has earned the Dog Writers Association of America’s “Best National Breed Club Magazine” Award 10 times: in 1991, 1992, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2019 and 2023. The Courier was honored in 2023 to also win "Best Special Club Publication" for its 2022 A Year in Review/Stud Dog issue. The magazine also received the 2009 AKC Publication Excellence award for extraordinary achievement and communications excellence for the article “We’ve not only helped our own dogs, we’ve helped all dogs,” (The Courier, May/June 2009).
To submit articles or suggestions for topics you’d like to see covered in upcoming issues of The Courier, please email couriercontent@PWDCA.org.
2026 Issues
1. Annual
Published in early June; submissions close May 3, 2026
This issue will feature:
- 2025 PWDCA National Specialty Highlights
- 2025 Year in Review
- 2024 Year in Review
- New Title Gallery (2024 & 2025 titles)
2. Your Family PWD & NEW Supplemental Issue "Stud Dog / Pre-Specialty / Top Twenty"
(This is a new concept for our club; both will mail together)
Published in Early September (prior to National Specialty); submissions close July 26, 2026
Your Family PWD - Focus on the Portuguese Water Dog as a family dog.
- Health
- Grooming
- Rescue
- Member Focus
- General Articles
Supplemental Issue - Designed to be taken with you to National Specialty!
- Stud Dog Gallery
- Top Twenty Dogs
- Specialty Preview
- SuperDog Tally Page
Members have the option to advertise in either or both publications.
Susan Myrick – Managing Editor / Committee Chair
Amy Lane – Content Manager
Lynn Nelson – Courier Store and Advertising Manager
Kari Lavalli – Content
Jan Allred – Board Liaison and Content
Stephanie Sexton – Content (may develop into a role assisting with social media, etc.)
Zac Crump – Developing Role with a focus on Advertising, social media and Fund Raising
Barb Stanek – First line editing / proofing
Lauren Wiener – First line editing / proofing


