Spanish Water Dog

Breed Description

The Spanish Water Dog is an ancient and versatile breed, closely tied to the history of rural and maritime life in Spain. The exact date of its origin remains unknown, but many researchers believe that the ancestors of this breed arrived on the Iberian Peninsula with the Moors around the 8th century. These dogs were primarily used as helpers for farmers and fishermen due to their endurance, versatility, and ability to work in water.

In southern Spain, especially in Andalusia, Spanish Water Dogs became indispensable working animals. They assisted shepherds in managing flocks of sheep and goats, adeptly handling tasks in hard-to-reach mountainous areas, and accompanied fishermen, helping to pull nets, retrieve items from the water, and guard the catch. Their thick, curly coats provided protection from water, cold, and wind, making them ideal for working in the most challenging conditions.

Local farmers and fishermen played a crucial role in shaping the breed by selecting dogs based on their working qualities rather than their appearance. This natural selection helped maintain the most resilient, intelligent, and versatile individuals. The Spanish Water Dog proved to be remarkably diverse: it was used not only as a herding and water dog but also as a hunting breed capable of retrieving game and tracking wildlife.

Despite its ancient roots, the breed received official recognition relatively recently. In the 1980s, a group of enthusiasts began working on the revival and promotion of the Spanish Water Dog. The main catalyst for this process was Antonio Garrido, who gathered information and preserved the best representatives of the breed. In 1985, the breed was officially recognized by the Royal Society of Canine Culture of Spain and later gained international recognition.

Today, the Spanish Water Dog continues to gain popularity worldwide. It is valued for its versatility, loyalty, and intelligence, serving both as a working dog and an excellent companion. Its rich history, deeply intertwined with Spanish traditions, makes this breed not only unique but also culturally significant.

The price for a puppy ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog with a sturdy build and unique appearance that highlights its working qualities and natural versatility. A key feature of the breed is its dense, curly coat, reminiscent of sheep’s wool. This type of coat not only gives the dog a recognizable look but also provides excellent protection from water and bad weather, which is ideal for its historical role as a herding and water dog. The overall appearance of the Spanish Water Dog exudes energy, endurance, and readiness to work in any conditions.

The average height for males is 44-50 cm and for females is 40-46 cm, making it compact and convenient for work both on land and in water. The weight ranges from 14 to 22 kg, depending on the sex and constitution. This ratio of height to weight allows the dog to be both strong and agile, while its well-developed musculature underscores the breed’s working orientation.

The lifespan of the Spanish Water Dog typically ranges from 12 to 14 years. With proper care and a balanced diet, it maintains its activity and health well into old age. Its appearance, functionality, and unique character make this breed special and valued both among working dogs and as companion animals.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Spanish Water Dog is proportional to its body, featuring a wide and slightly rounded skull. The forehead is flat or slightly convex, and the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced but smooth. The overall appearance of the head emphasizes its intelligence and energy.

Морда

The face is of medium length, strong, and tapering towards the nose. The upper line of the face is straight and harmonizes well with the overall shape of the head. The nose is large, with well-developed nostrils, and its color matches the primary coat color.

Уши

The ears are floppy, medium-sized, and triangular in shape. They are set slightly higher than eye level and are close to the head. The ears are covered with thick, curly fur, which accentuates the overall appearance of the breed.

Глаза

The eyes of the Spanish Water Dog are medium-sized and slightly slanted. Their color ranges from hazel to dark brown, depending on the coat color. The expression in the eyes is intelligent, attentive, and friendly.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, straight, and have a scissors bite. The jaws are well-developed but not massive, which emphasizes the functionality and harmony of the breed.

Корпус

The body of the Spanish Water Dog is compact and muscular, with a well-developed chest that provides sufficient capacity for the lungs. The back is straight and strong, while the loins are slightly arched, giving the dog flexibility and maneuverability. The belly is moderately tucked, emphasizing an athletic build.

Конечности

The limbs are strong and straight, with sturdy joints. The front legs are straight, with powerful shoulders, while the hind legs have well-defined angles at the joints, providing a powerful push when moving. The feet are compact, with rounded toes and firm pads, perfectly adapted for work both on land and in water.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length and set at the level of the back line. In a resting state, it is usually held down, but when in motion or excited, it is raised, highlighting the dog's activity and energy. Some representatives of the breed may have a shortened tail, depending on breed standards or genetic traits.

Шерсть

The hair of the Spanish Water Dog is thick, curly, and evenly covers the entire body. It has water-repellent properties and perfectly protects the dog in any weather conditions. The structure of the hair is unique: the curls are closely fitted, forming a dense yet soft coat that requires minimal maintenance.

Окрас

The coat varies from solid colors (black, white, or brown) to a two-tone combination of these colors. Each coat is evenly distributed across the body, highlighting the natural beauty and harmony of the breed.

Character

The Spanish Water Dog has a vibrant, friendly, and energetic character that makes it a versatile companion and a reliable helper. This breed is known for its loyalty to its owner and strong attachment to family. It strives to be close to people, participating in their lives and feeling useful. Despite this, the dog maintains a certain independence, allowing it to make decisions in working situations.

The Spanish Water Dog is extremely intelligent and trainable. It easily remembers commands, loves to solve problems, and quickly adapts to new conditions. Its natural curiosity and desire to explore the surrounding world make it an active and enthusiastic companion. However, to successfully raise the dog, it is important to direct its energy in the right direction to avoid excessive independence or stubbornness.

This breed possesses natural energy and requires regular physical and mental exercise. It loves walks, active games, and tasks that require cleverness. Water is one of its favorite elements, and the dog enjoys swimming or performing tasks related to retrieving in the water. The Spanish Water Dog is always ready to work, whether it’s herding, hunting, or obeying commands.

Dogs of this breed are cautious towards strangers but quickly become friendly and confident with proper socialization. They intuitively sense their owner’s mood and adjust to the situation, showing remarkable sensitivity and attentiveness. However, they do not tolerate loneliness well and require attention, making them unsuitable for people who spend a lot of time away from home. The Spanish Water Dog is an active, curious, and incredibly devoted breed that thrives in environments where it can showcase its working qualities and interact with its owner.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for the Spanish Water Dog requires attention to its unique coat, activity levels, and emotional needs. The breed’s main feature is its thick, curly coat, which requires minimal grooming but should be checked regularly to prevent matting. It should not be brushed or washed too often, as this can damage the curl structure. Instead, the coat is trimmed once or twice a year to maintain its natural texture. Regular checks of the ears, eyes, and teeth are also necessary, as an active lifestyle can lead to the accumulation of dirt or minor injuries.

The Spanish Water Dog loves physical activity and needs daily walks, playtime, and tasks that stimulate its mental abilities. It enjoys swimming, retrieving, and any water-related activities, which help satisfy its natural instincts. The dog also excels at learning new commands or complex tasks, bringing it joy and helping to maintain harmonious behavior.

This breed does not tolerate boredom or loneliness well. If left without attention for long periods, it may become bored and display destructive behaviors, such as scattering objects or digging. The Spanish Water Dog values closeness with its owner and prefers to be part of all family activities. Rudeness or unfair treatment towards it is also unacceptable-it is sensitive to its owner’s mood and learns best in an environment of trust and respect.

This breed struggles with a lack of physical activity. Excess energy, if not released, can affect its behavior and mood. For a comfortable life, a Spanish Water Dog requires an active lifestyle, attentive care to its needs, and opportunities to utilize its working qualities. With proper care and attention, it will become a loyal, joyful, and energetic companion.

Training and Education

The Spanish Water Dog is highly intelligent and has a natural inclination for learning, making its training engaging and productive. The best approach to training this breed is the use of positive reinforcement: praise, treats, and play elements. Training should start at an early age to lay the foundation for obedience and socialization. The dog quickly remembers commands, especially if the learning process is varied and stimulating.

This breed values clear and consistent commands but does not tolerate roughness or pressure. The Spanish Water Dog responds best to confident and kind guidance. It loves solving tasks that require ingenuity and is eager to learn new things if it senses its owner’s interest. It is important to maintain its motivation by alternating physical and mental exercises to avoid boredom and monotony.

The Spanish Water Dog chooses an owner who shows care, attention, and a willingness to be involved in its upbringing. It intuitively senses emotional bonds and obeys those who exhibit confidence and consistency in their actions. Its loyalty becomes especially strong when the owner actively interacts with it, supports its working qualities, and involves it in family life.

This breed is well-suited for active individuals who are ready to dedicate time and attention to the dog. It flourishes alongside an owner who understands its character, respects its natural instincts, and provides ample opportunities for physical and intellectual development. The Spanish Water Dog will be a loyal, obedient, and energetic companion for those prepared for close cooperation and interaction. At Zoonica, they offer puppies with documentation and health guarantees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Spanish Water Dog puppy requires a careful approach to ensure it grows into a true representative of the breed. The first step is to select a reliable kennel registered with an official canine organization, such as FCI or its national branches. A good breeder focuses not only on appearance but also on the health, temperament, and socialization of the puppies, ensuring their proper development from the very first days of life.

The puppy should be active, friendly, and curious, showing interest in people and its surroundings. Its appearance is also important: the coat should be thick and curly, the eyes clear, and the body strong and proportionate. Pay attention to the puppy’s behavior: it should not be overly aggressive or timid. Observe its movements- the puppy should move freely, without signs of lameness or weakness.

Documents play a key role in confirming the puppy’s breed and health. The puppy card or metric should include information about the parents, their pedigree, titles, and genetic tests. The parents should be tested for joint dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases, and other breed-specific issues. The breeder should also provide the puppy’s veterinary passport with records of vaccinations, deworming, and general health status.

If possible, meet the puppy’s parents. Their appearance, behavior, and temperament will give you an idea of how your pet might grow up. The parents should be well-balanced, friendly, and meet breed standards. The living conditions in the kennel are also important: cleanliness, space for play, and socialization of the puppies indicate the breeder’s conscientiousness. A responsible approach to choosing a Spanish Water Dog puppy will ensure you have a healthy, harmonious, and breed-standard representative.

Health and Diseases

The Spanish Water Dog is considered a healthy and resilient breed, but it has a predisposition to several hereditary conditions that owners should be aware of. One of the most common issues is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can limit the dog’s mobility and cause pain. To reduce the risk, it’s crucial to choose a puppy from parents tested for these conditions and to monitor balanced physical activity, especially at a young age.

Another characteristic of the breed is its susceptibility to eye diseases. Spanish Water Dogs can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which lead to vision deterioration. Regular veterinary check-ups help identify these problems early. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing for predispositions to such diseases.

Due to their active lifestyle, Spanish Water Dogs are at risk of limb injuries, particularly if their physical exertion exceeds acceptable levels. Regular check-ups and monitoring of activity can help prevent such issues. It’s also essential to pay attention to skin health, as their thick curly coat can conceal cuts or irritations. Inadequate grooming can lead to dermatitis or skin infections, especially in areas of increased moisture.

Some individuals of the breed may have a tendency towards allergies caused by food or environmental irritants. Symptoms can include itching, redness, or hair loss. Regular grooming, proper nutrition, and attention to their surroundings can help minimize these risks. The Spanish Water Dog requires a balanced diet to support its activity and joint health.

The average lifespan of a Spanish Water Dog is 12 to 14 years. With proper care, balanced nutrition, and regular veterinary visits, this breed maintains its energy, activity, and cheerful disposition well into old age. Paying attention to its health and preventing potential diseases can ensure a long and happy life for your pet. Thinking about it? There is a vast selection of ads on the map by cities on Zooneka.