Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a distinctive and adaptable breed distinguished by its eye-catching curly coat and exuberant demeanor. With a long history of collaborating with people, these dogs were first bred to help shepherds and fishermen. They make excellent companions for a variety of activities due to their innate intelligence and eagerness to please.

Brief information about the Spanish Water Dog breed

The FCI has only lately acknowledged the Spanish Water Dog. That’s why trustworthy information about it is scarce. Learn the key details that will enable you to close any knowledge gaps.

Country🇪🇸

One of Spain’s greatest national treasures is the Spanish Water Dog. It was on their land that this wonderful breed was created.

Group

Along with all other water dogs, it is a member of the third section and the eighth group.

Wool

Dense, thick, and resembling sheep’s fleece, the curls are coiled like a rope.

Colors

Solid white, black or brown, black and white, white and chocolate, and beige are acceptable color combinations. Dogs with the same color spots that contrast with the primary color are accepted.

Size

The Spanish Water Dog is categorized as a medium breed due to its size. An adult male’s withers can reach a maximum height of 51 cm. 44 cm is the lower limit. The values are lower for girls. They are no taller than 46 centimeters. The tiniest representatives stand 41 cm tall.

Weight

The Spanish Water Dog should weigh between 14 and 22 kg. The animal’s height and sex have an impact on the indicator.

Temperament

The Spanish Water Dog is pleasant and well-balanced. It will display suspicion rather than charge at a stranger. The breed is friendly and does not represent a threat to people.

Spanish Water Dogs can adjust to living in an apartment in the city as long as you provide opportunities for exercise. They will be happiest on the grounds of a rural home close to a pond. The animal’s curly hair will cause problems. She requires more attention.

Birth

Most of the time, pregnancy and childbirth happen naturally without the help of veterinarians. There are three puppies in the litter. Their hair is curly and covers them. However, it doesn’t start curling with a cord until adulthood.

Life expectancy

The lifespan of a Spanish water dog is 10 to 14 years.

Usage

Fishermen used it in the past. Dogs drove the fish into the nets and assisted in pulling them out. It is now acknowledged as a friend, guide, rescuer, and athlete.

Price

Find out the cost of a Spanish water dog. It should be mentioned from the outset that purchasing a Spanish water dog in our nation is not a simple task. There is currently just one nursery open. It’s in the city of Yaroslavl. A puppy will cost you at least 40,000–50,000 rubles. In her native country, Spanish water dogs are sold for up to 2000 euros in nurseries.

Spanish water dog: photo

We have gathered the finest assortment of images featuring the Spanish water dog. They are devoted companions who possess strength and resilience. This is a great pet for people who live in rural areas. He can handle being a guardian, hunter, and child caretaker, and he won’t abandon you. You won’t be unhappy with this dog if you consider the breed’s traits when making your decision.

The intelligent and adaptable Spanish Water Dog breed is well-known for its superb swimming skills and amiable disposition. These dogs are extremely trainable and make wonderful companions for active families. They were originally bred for herding and retrieving. They make great pets for both city and country living, thanks to their unique curly coat, love of water, and ability to thrive in outdoor activities. They are also well-known for their loyalty and protective instincts.

The history of the origin of the breed

The Spanish water dog, also known as the English Spanish Water Dog, is regarded as the progenitor of all other water breeds. Its precise origin is unknown. There are two versions available now.

As per the first account, traders from Turkey brought similar dogs to Spain. According to the second legend, water dog representatives were introduced from northern Africa.

The breed was originally documented in 1110 AD. These dogs that once lived on the Iberian Peninsula have already been described. They assisted shepherds with cattle grazing. It was mentioned how useful dogs are, and their physical prowess and endurance were observed.

Later, the breed’s ancestors were replaced by people from the south of Spain. There, too, their skills came in handy. Dogs were used to tow boats and other sea vessels while they were harnessed to teams.

Fishermen then truly appreciated these intelligent animals. Dogs demonstrated the ability to drag nets full of fish, dive, swim, and even drive the jamb of fish into the nets.

The water Spanish dog was used by briders to get puppies of new breeds, but it was never distributed further. Only in 1999 did the American Kennel Club fully recognize the Spanish water dog as a breed; this was followed by the International Kennel Club in 2015.

Only in 2015 was a water Spanish dog puppy imported into Russia. They are still very uncommon.

Spanish water dog: description of the breed

The Spanish water dog breed standard describes a medium-sized, robust, physically developed animal. The dog is typically between 15 and 18 kg in weight, and its height does not exceed half a meter.

  • The Spanish dog is covered with curly hair. It is dense, abundant, twisted into cords like sheep"s fleece. Shedding is not profuse. The coat is hypoallergenic.
  • In addition to solid colors, the standards allow white-brown and white-black dogs. The animal"s head is often of a contrasting color. There are small, single spots on the body. Tricolor dogs are strictly prohibited by the current standards for the breed, as are combinations of black and brown.
  • It is interesting that the color options are determined by the requirements of the first breeders. Fishermen liked spotted animals more. They were clearly visible in the water, and shepherds preferred single-color individuals. They were visible from afar in the pasture.
  • The nose should be colored according to the main color or be a tone darker.
  • The eyes also harmoniously match the color, the whites are not visible.
  • The ears are triangular in shape, hanging. They are covered with curly hair.
  • The tail is set high, it is docked at 3/4 of its length, babies can be born short. This feature is not considered a defect.
  • It is noteworthy that cord-like hair is a distinctive breed characteristic. But it only appears in sexually mature individuals. Puppies have curly or wavy hair. This should be taken into account when choosing a pet.

The Spanish and Portuguese Water Dogs are comparable. They are related to each other. The Portuguese dog carries its ancestor’s gene. Size is the primary distinction. The Portuguese have longer hair, a narrower muzzle, and a larger frame.

Similarities between Lagotto Romagnolo and its ancestor are also evident. Still, it is challenging to mix up these breeds. Examine the animal photos with great care. Your concerns are unfounded if you fear fraud. They won’t purposefully misidentify one breed for another. These dogs are pricey, unique, and precious.

Breed Spanish Water Dog
Origin Spain
Size Medium
Coat Curl or Wavy
Temperament Intelligent and Energetic
Activities Swimming and Herding
Grooming Regularly Required

The amazing Spanish Water Dog breed is renowned for its adaptability and intelligence. They are naturally gregarious and enjoy being active, having been bred for herding and water-related duties. They are great companions for both individuals and families because of their playful nature.

Their characteristic curly coat, which enhances their attractiveness and helps shield them in a variety of settings, is one of this breed’s most notable characteristics. Maintaining a healthy and matting-free coat requires regular grooming. They can add beauty to any home if given the proper care.

It can be a fulfilling experience to train a Spanish Water Dog. They have a strong desire to please and react favorably to methods of positive reinforcement. Their early socialization is crucial to their development as well-rounded canines. They flourish and make wonderful companions when provided with regular training and lots of mental stimulation.

In conclusion, many homes find happiness in the lively and intelligent Spanish Water Dog breed. They are an excellent option for people who lead active lifestyles because of their amiable nature and versatility. If given the right attention and guidance, they can make amazing, devoted friends for many years to come.

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Maxim Kovalev

Veterinarian with many years of experience. Main interest is the prevention and treatment of diseases in cats and dogs. I constantly share proven tips for caring for the health of pets to help avoid common problems and maintain their excellent health.

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