Spanish Water Dog: Temperament, Exercise, Health

Group: Retriever, Water Dog.

Also Known As: Perro de Agua, Perro Turco, Laneto, Perro de Lanas, Perro Patero, Perro Rizado, Churro, Barbeta, and most recently, Perro de Agua Espanol.

About Spanish Water Dog

Origin and History of the Breed The exact origin of this ancient breed is not known. One theory suggests that the Turkish merchants brought the dog to the South Iberian Peninsula along with the flocks of livestock as they moved throughout the Mediterranean. Another theory suggests North African origin. A General Description of the Dog The Spanish Water Dog is rustic, well proportioned, of medium weight. The head is strong and carried with elegance. The eyes are slightly oblique position, very expressive. The body is robust and the topline straight. The tail is set at medium height.

Coat

The coat is always curly and of woolly texture. Colors include white, black and chestnut in their different shades.

• Bicoloured: White and black or white and brown in their different shades.
• Tricoloured subjects and black and tan, as well as hazelnut and tan dogs are not admitted.

Height

Males 17-20 inches (44 to 50 cm.)
Females 16-18 inches (40 to 46 cm.)

Weight

Males 40-49 pounds (18-22 kg.)
Females 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg.)

Personality

Temperament of the Breed

The Spanish Water Dog is an extremely intelligent, fearless, ever-active, strong, attentive, happy and well balanced versatile working dog with strong herding, hunting and guardian instincts. It is a devoted companion. It is reserved, not shy, with strangers. They can be protective and territorial. Most of them are good with children and other animals if properly socialized.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

The Spanish Water Dog can adapt to almost all environments, circumstances and extreme climates, as long as it gets enough exercise.

The Spanish Water Dog should get plenty of exercise, which includes a daily walk. Young puppies should never be over-taxed, to avoid possible bone and joint problems. They become more active and sleep less as they mature and by the time they are a year old, these dogs have endless stamina and are very fast, athletic and agile. They have extraordinary learning ability and memory and are eager to learn.

Grooming

If meant to be a working dog, the coat should be sheared, never combed or brushed, but bathed only when necessary using a mild shampoo without heavy conditioners. If the coat becomes excessively matted, the cords can be separated by pulling the mats apart with the fingers down to the skin.

For show dogs, the coat should be sheared down at least once a year (or more). Once or twice a week one should look behind the ears, and the area where he sits and separate any cords that might bind together. Its nails should be clipped and eyes cleaned as often as necessary. Consistent minimal work is needed to help develop the proper cording.

The Spanish Water Dog does not shed its coat. If there are concerns about allergies, it is recommended that one spend time with the Spanish Water Dog to see if they are indeed allergic.

Health Issues

While the SWD seems to be a very healthy breed there are some issues that the SWD have, just like all other breeds. There are cases of Hip Dysplasia in the breed, so choose your breeder carefully.

All breeding dogs should have their hips tested, either by OFA or PennHIP. There have been a few cases of PRA reported in Europe so it is advised that all breeders should test their breeding stock for PRA and other such genetic eye diseases with a yearly CERF exam. A responsible breeder will be able to produce the results in writing.

Like other Water Dogs and related breeds, they grow hair in their ear canals and can be prone to ear infections. The ears must be kept dry and clean. . Because these dogs are (as a general rule) so active and energetic as puppies, they may seriously injure themselves from too much running and jumping when their skeletal structure is still developing.

Life Expectancy: About 10-14 years.