Coles Creek Beach at Carlyle Lake will be temporarily closed to swimming from Thursday, August 21, 2025, through Sunday, August 24, 2025, to host the water trials for the 2025 Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) National Specialty. The 33rd PWDCA National Specialty, sponsored by Purina, will take place at the Purina Farms Event Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, with the water trial events held at the dog-friendly beach at Coles Creek on Carlyle Lake.
During this special event, approximately 86 Portuguese Water Dogs will participate in a series of water work exercises designed to highlight their historical role as working dogs. These tasks not only demonstrate the dogs’ natural abilities but also strengthen the working bond between each dog and its handler. Judging will take place following the completion of these exercises.
This event is open to the public; however, pets are not permitted. Practice will take place on Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with competition trials scheduled for Saturday and Sunday during the same hours. The Coles Creek Boat Ramp will be open for public use during the event. Swimming is also available at the nearby McNair and Dam West beaches.
For more information, please visit www.pwdcans.org, call the Carlyle Lake Project Office at 618-594-2484, or email us at carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil.
