Shelley Plucker
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In 1996, Bob and Shelley brought home a curly bundle of joy who would forever shape their lives. That first Portuguese Water Dog, Toz, began a lifelong journey devoted to this remarkable breed.
After Toz became an AKC Champion, we were blessed to find an exceptional mentor in Colville Jackson. With his guidance, Afortunado developed a thoughtful breeding program focused on preserving the true essence of the Portuguese Water Dog — sound structure, stable temperament, and natural working ability in accordance with the AKC breed standard. Toz exemplified everything we value in the breed. She completed all health testing recommended by the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) and produced her first litter in 1998. From that foundation, raising puppies became a passion. Today, we are proudly on our eighth generation — all directly downline from that very first litter. |
Summer spent by the pond practicing for water trials! Our favorite place to be.
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Over the past three decades, Afortunado dogs have earned multiple titles in Conformation (including #1 AKC Portuguese Water Dog in 2001 and 2002), as well as achievements in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Scentwork, Water work, Barn Hunt, and Therapy. We are active members of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America and serve on several committees dedicated to the preservation and future of the breed.
Most importantly, our dogs are family. They live in our home, share our daily lives, and enjoy the freedom of our fenced acreage. Every puppy is raised with intention, experience, and deep love for this extraordinary breed.
Most importantly, our dogs are family. They live in our home, share our daily lives, and enjoy the freedom of our fenced acreage. Every puppy is raised with intention, experience, and deep love for this extraordinary breed.
Barb Crowther
In 2002, a Portuguese Water Dog joined the Crowther family and changed everything. Thirteen-year-old Keegan took the lead in training and showing Aidan in Conformation, Junior Showmanship, and Agility, ultimately handling him to his AKC Championship. Soon after, we welcomed Bandit, a Pirate son, into our home. As time went on, I became more involved in the dogs and proudly handled Bandit to his AKC Championship — just the beginning of an incredible journey.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of competing in nearly every venue of dog sport, including Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Scent Work, Fast CAT, and water work. Shelley and I have traveled to almost every state, competing in dog shows, building lasting friendships, and continually deepening our appreciation and knowledge of this remarkable breed.
I am an active member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Greater Chicagoland, and the Timber Ridge Obedience Club of Central Wisconsin.
Our family lives on 80 beautiful acres complete with a pond, a dedicated training building, and a large fenced yard where our dogs race through the doggie door for daily romps — chasing balls or simply enjoying each other. Inside, our living room is filled with dog beds and oversized couches, ensuring there’s always room for everyone when we gather to relax.
I have been truly fortunate to share this journey with Shelley, who has become an incredible friend and partner. We co-own all of our dogs, travel together to shows, and make every breeding decision for our Afortunado dogs as a team.
My favorite part of it all? Welcoming new puppies into the world and watching the next generation begin their own stories.
I am an active member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Greater Chicagoland, and the Timber Ridge Obedience Club of Central Wisconsin.
Our family lives on 80 beautiful acres complete with a pond, a dedicated training building, and a large fenced yard where our dogs race through the doggie door for daily romps — chasing balls or simply enjoying each other. Inside, our living room is filled with dog beds and oversized couches, ensuring there’s always room for everyone when we gather to relax.
I have been truly fortunate to share this journey with Shelley, who has become an incredible friend and partner. We co-own all of our dogs, travel together to shows, and make every breeding decision for our Afortunado dogs as a team.
My favorite part of it all? Welcoming new puppies into the world and watching the next generation begin their own stories.