In Portuguese, the name Querida means one who is loved, which is why this is the
perfect name for Cindy’s Portuguese water dogs. Our dogs are raised in our home and
are members of our family.

Cindy’s interest in Portuguese water dogs began in 1989, when she was involved in a
local 4-H dog club and met Barbara, Neocles Estrela Foutshouse. One of Barbara’s
puppies, Indy, CH Brincalao Indigo Blue CD, became her first PWD. As a teenager and
junior handler, she handled Indy to her AKC championship and companion dog titles.
Querida’s first litter of Portuguese water dogs was born in 1994, were Bria, BOSS CH
Querida’s Brigao was born. Bria became Querida’s first home bred AKC champion as
she was also owner-handled. Bria went on to achieve some amazing accomplishments in
the show ring including a Specialty Best of Opposite Sex win at the Greenwich Kennel
Club PWD specialty show and an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club dog
show.

Cindy became an active member of the PWDCA in 1996 and a member of her local
PWD Club, before leaving for college to study Animal Science. She graduated summa
cum laude as a member of the honors program and then went on to veterinary school.

Following veterinary school, she completed an internship in small animal medicine and
surgery at the world renowned Animal Medical Center in NY, and then joined a 24 hour
small animal emergency and general practice. Due to her experiences as a dog enthusiast
and breeder, Cindy developed a specialty interest in pediatrics, genetic counseling, and
canine reproduction. She pursued specialty training with a veterinary residency at the
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine becoming a board certified
veterinary reproductive specialist and a member of the American College of
Theriogenology in 2010.

Cindy continues to practice as a canine and feline veterinary reproductive specialist and
publishes on various topics of veterinary reproduction, pediatrics, and genetic counseling.
She continues to lecture both nationally and internationally to veterinary colleagues and
breeders on these topics.               

During this time, Cindy has remained active with her Portuguese water dogs competing
in conformation, obedience, and water trial events as she feels strongly that it is
important to continue to breed dogs where form follows function. She has served on the
Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, Inc. Board of Directors and has served as the
Corresponding Secretary for the club. She has also served on the Board of Directors for
the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc and as their Grant Director. She is currently
the chair of the PWDCA Junior Affiliate Committee and PWDCA Canine Health
Information Center (CHIC) Coordinator. She is also an active member of the
Hockamock Kennel Club All Breed Dog Club.

Cindy utilizes her professional experience and expertise in the area of veterinary medical
genetics and reproduction to continue to build upon the tremendous efforts of PWD
breeders to preserve the health and well-being of the breed and the Portuguese water
dogs at Querida.
About Querida Portuguese Water Dogs
Querida Portuguese Water Dogs, LLC
MEMBER
All-Breed KC MEMBER
Breeder Referral Participant