Spanish Water Dog
Summary
The Spanish Water Dog, known in Spanish as "Perro de Agua Español," is an Iberian breed of multiple uses, historically employed as a livestock herder, waterfowl hunting dog, net-hauling dog, and guard dog throughout the southern and coastal regions of Spain. Its versatility is remarkable: the same breed that herded flocks in the Andalusian mountains worked equally as a water dog in the coastal lagoons and estuaries. Approximately half of the specimens are born with a naturally short tail.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 44–50 cm
- Height (female)
- 40–46 cm
- Weight (male)
- 18–22 kg
- Weight (female)
- 14–18 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Curly, woolly, of homogeneous texture throughout the body; when long, naturally forms cords (dreadlocks); never brushed — only clipped uniformly; highly water-resistant
- Common Colors
- Solid white, solid black, solid brown; bicolor (white and black, white and brown); tricolor not permitted
Temperament & Personality
The Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, loyal, obedient, and quick-witted dog. It is very energetic and enthusiastic, especially in outdoor activities. It has a vigilant nature and pronounced guarding instinct, and can be reserved with strangers. It is very devoted to its family and adaptable to different roles — hunting, dog sports, guarding, or companionship. Its intelligence and ease of training make it exceptional in agility, obedience, and search and rescue work.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Very high
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low
- Shedding
- Minimal
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG)
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Eye examination
- Genetic test for PRA (_rod-cone dysplasia 1a_)
- Hip radiography
- Thyroid function test
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- With Other Dogs
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
