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 (March 2018-July 2021)
- Bonnie Smith Hill (October 2022-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 and 2019. It 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 Courier@PWDCA.org.
Summer Issue Focus: Annual – A year in review, water, performance, new title holders. Plus! Stud Dog, Breeding, and Health.
Includes 2022 Top Ten achievements in obedience, conformation, agility, etc.; MAC, POM, ROM, OHA, Water Trials, and our Gallery of New Title Holders and Gallery of Stud Dogs.
Submissions Close: May 20, 2023
Publish: August 2023
Fall Issue Focus: National Specialty Issue. Includes the Outstanding Breeder Achievement Award winner.
Submissions Close: October 20, 2023
Publish: November 2023
Editor: Bonnie Smith Hill
Advertising: AJ Bellarosa
Content: Bonnie Smith Hill
Review Committee Chair: Kathy Butkovic
Courier Team:
Bonnie Smith Hill, Editor
Kathy Butkovic, Committee Liasion
Bill Waters, Contributor
Maureen Nowak, Contributor
AJ Bellarosa, Contributor and Advertising Lead