Spanish Water Dog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized, athletic dog of 15.5 to 20 inches, with a rustic look and a curly, woolly coat that gives it a slightly unkempt charm. The body is a little longer than tall, the head is broad, and the ears hang close to the face. The coat is traditionally clipped short on a regular basis, and colors include brown, black, beige, white and combinations. The tail is often naturally short.

Its original jobs were wide-ranging. In Spain it herded sheep and goats, helped fishermen retrieve nets and gear, and worked as a guard and companion. That mix produced a dog that is trainable, hardy and fond of swimming. Today it is kept as a family dog and sport competitor by people who like an energetic, intelligent partner with little shedding.

Temperament and family life

The Spanish Water Dog is affectionate with its family, deeply loyal and happiest when included in whatever people are doing. It is often wary of strangers, and it takes its guarding role seriously, so socialization in puppyhood is important. Most dogs will bark to warn about unfamiliar people, but they settle once a visitor is accepted.

With children it is usually playful and patient, though its herding habits may lead to nudging or heel nipping, and a young dog can be boisterous. It generally gets along with other dogs and household animals if raised with them. The breed dislikes being left alone for long periods and may become anxious or destructive when bored.

Exercise and training

This is a hardworking breed with plenty of stamina. Give it at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, and add training or a job for its mind. Swimming and retrieving are natural pleasures, and most dogs also enjoy hiking, agility, herding, obedience, scent work and flyball.

The breed is eager to learn, responds well to rewards and adapts quickly. It can be sensitive, so a firm but gentle manner works. Without enough work, a Spanish Water Dog may dig, bark or herd the household. Early training and a regular routine help prevent the development of nuisance habits.

Grooming and shedding

The coat sheds very little, which appeals to people who want a clean house. It requires a particular style of care. Do not brush it dry. The usual approach is to keep the coat clipped to a manageable length, about an inch or two over the body, every few months and to let it curl naturally. If you want to let it grow longer, it forms cords that need separating by hand to keep them from matting into solid sheets.

Bathe as needed, and rinse and dry the dog after swimming. The ears collect moisture and hair, so check and clean them regularly, since ear infections are common. Trim the nails and brush the teeth as well.

Health

The breed is considered fairly healthy, but several conditions have been recorded. Hip dysplasia is the main orthopedic concern and is screened for by responsible breeders. Progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism are reported. Ear infections are a recurring issue because of the hairy, drop ears and the dog's love of water. Because the gene pool is not large, ask breeders about health testing and relatedness.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Spanish Water Dog is generally traced to Spain, where it worked for centuries with shepherds and fishermen in the south and elsewhere. It has been connected to the ancestry of other European water and curly-coated dogs, but those links are difficult to prove. The modern breed was organized in Spain in the twentieth century, and it reached the United States later. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2015.

Is the Spanish Water Dog right for you?

This breed suits an active family that enjoys outdoor life and wants a trainable dog that sheds little. It is a poor choice for someone who dislikes grooming appointments, can't provide exercise or is out for long hours.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a similar water-loving worker, and the Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly-coated retriever and truffle dog of smaller size. For another Hungarian curly herder, look at the Pumi.